underdog
Unlikely to win
An underdog is someone or something expected to lose or be defeated, especially in a competition or conflict.
The term evokes sympathy and often carries connotations of courage against unfavorable odds.
People frequently root for the underdog, finding satisfaction when the less favored party prevails: The underdog team pulled off a stunning upset in the finals.
In broader use, underdog describes anyone at a disadvantage or in a subordinate position who struggles against more powerful forces.
Unlikely to succeed
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- sleeperOne at rest
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
unexpected · unheralded · unknown · unfancied · spoiler · wildcard · unpredicted · improbable
Recovery after decline
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
fortitude · fighter · survivor · overcome · scrappy · heart · hustle · defiant
Not noticed or considered
- undervaluedRated below true worth
- dismissedReleased from duty
- doubtedLacked certainty about
- discountedReduced in price
misjudged · underappreciated · unrecognized · belittled · disregarded · scoffed · snubbed · passed-over
Resounding, celebrated victory
- inspirationalArousing drive or hope
- upliftingEmotionally encouraging
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
- rags-to-richesDramatic upward mobility narrative
rocky · miracle · story · journey · redemption · breakthrough · victory · dream
One competing against incumbent
- contenderOne competing seriously
- opponentOne who contends against
- rivalOne who competes against
- fighterOne who engages in combat
boxer · wrestler · athlete · team · matchup · bout · tournament · championship
Actively cheering someone on
- cheeringVocal encouragement given
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- solidarityUnity among allies
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
relatable · heartwarming · inspiring · beloved · fan-favorite · crowd-pleaser · sentimental · emotional
longshot
Unlikely to succeed
upset · unexpected · unheralded · unknown · unfancied · spoiler · wildcard · unpredicted · improbable · unlikely
comeback
Recovery after decline
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
tenacity · fortitude · fighter · survivor · overcome · scrappy · heart · hustle · defiant · gutsy
overlooked
Not noticed or considered
- undervaluedRated below true worth
- dismissedReleased from duty
- doubtedLacked certainty about
discounted · misjudged · underappreciated · unrecognized · belittled · disregarded · scoffed · snubbed · passed-over · overshadowed
triumph
Resounding, celebrated victory
- inspirationalArousing drive or hope
- upliftingEmotionally encouraging
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
rags-to-riches · rocky · miracle · story · journey · redemption · breakthrough · victory · dream · legend
challenger
One competing against incumbent
fighter · boxer · wrestler · athlete · team · matchup · bout · tournament · championship · semifinal
rooting
Actively cheering someone on
- cheeringVocal encouragement given
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- solidarityUnity among allies
encouragement · relatable · heartwarming · inspiring · beloved · fan-favorite · crowd-pleaser · sentimental · emotional · hopeful
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
- Boxing FilmsRocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V
- challengersrival, contender, opponent, competitor, adversary
- competition metaphorslevel playing field, race to the bottom, win-win, rat race, front runner
- rankingsrankings, first, college rankings, second, third
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
underdogfavorite
Most liked option
favourite · front-runner · shoo-in · sure thing · top seed
underdogtop dog
Dominant leader
alpha · powerhouse · juggernaut · Goliath · heavyweight
- underdog storyTale of unlikely victor
- underdog storiesNarratives featuring unlikely victors
- underdog victoryWeaker side prevails unexpectedly
- underdog winUnlikely competitor's triumph
- scrappy underdog