Search Dictionary
Definition of underdog

underdog

/ˈʌn.dɚˌdɔːɡ/
un · der · dog
Plural:underdogs
JUMP TO:

underdog Lexical Profile

underdog Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A competitor, team, or participant thought to have little chance of winning a fight, game, or contest.

Example

"The small college basketball team entered the national tournament as a clear underdog but managed to reach the finals."

2

A person or group in society who has little power, status, or privilege and is often subjected to unfair treatment.

Example

"Throughout her legal career, she was known for championing the rights of the underdog against powerful corporate interests."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for underdog
Antonyms
View all antonyms for underdog

• Nearby Words

underdevelop
underdeveloped
underdiagnose
underdog
underdone
underdose
underdress

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century, the word originally referred literally to the beaten dog that lay pinned beneath the victor in a dogfight, in contrast to the "top dog."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underdog. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underdog
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.