underdog
word
Definition
An underdog is a person, team, or group who is not expected to win in a competition, or someone in a weaker or disadvantaged position.
Usage & Nuances
Common in sports, business, and stories about overcoming the odds. Implies sympathy or root-for quality. Often used with 'root for the underdog.' Not just for losers, but for those seen as unlikely winners.
Spanish: desvalido - perdedor (esperado)Portuguese (BR): azarão - oprimidoPortuguese (PT): azarão - oprimidoChinese (Simplified): 弱者 - 劣势方Chinese (Traditional): 弱者 - 劣勢方Hindi: कमज़ोर पक्ष - पिछड़ा हुआArabic: الخاسر المتوقع - الطرف الأضعفBengali: অযোগ্য দল - দুর্বল প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বীRussian: аутсайдерJapanese: 負け犬 - 弱者Vietnamese: kẻ yếu thế - người bị đánh giá thấpKorean: 약자 - 열세인 사람Turkish: ezik - zayıf olanUrdu: کمزور حریف - پست حریفIndonesian: pihak yang kurang diunggulkan - orang yang lemah
Example Sentences
The underdog won the game against all odds.
basic
People love to support the underdog.
basic
She felt like an underdog at her new job.
basic
You shouldn't count out the underdog—they might surprise you.
natural
Everyone underestimated the underdog, but he surprised them all.
natural
In movies, the underdog often comes out on top at the end.
natural