Cool MateUnderdog
UK //ˈʌndəˌdɒg//US //ˈʌndərˌdɔg//
Definition
A competitor thought to have a lower chance of winning.
In simple words: A person or team that is expected to lose but may win.
Examples
- In the championship game, the underdog surprised everyone by winning.
- People love rooting for the underdog in movies.
- She was labeled the underdog among the seasoned athletes.
- The underdog team fought hard against their opponents.
- Many stories celebrate the underdog who triumphs against the odds.
Usage notes
Used in contexts like sports or competition. It's not appropriate when discussing scenarios without a competitive element.
Grammar pattern
underdog + noun
Memory hint
Think of a dog that's smaller but surprises everyone with its strength.
Collocations
- cheer for an underdog
- be an underdog
- underdog mentality
Synonyms
- dark horse
- long shot
- underdog story
Antonyms
- favorite
- champion
Common mistakes
- Confusion about whether 'underdog' can refer to situations outside of competition.
- Using 'underdog' for someone who is not disadvantaged in a context.
- Misunderstanding 'underdog' as always winning instead of just being expected to lose.