Underdog

/ˌʌndədˈɒɡ/

/ˈəndɝˌdɔɡ/

[noun]

Underdog

[NOUN]

an individual, team, etc. who is regarded as weaker compared to others and has little chance of success as a result

Examples

1. The debate team from the prestigious university knocked the living daylights out of the underdog team from the community college.

2. The underdog team, surprisingly, defeated the reigning champions in a stunning upset.

3. For all their vim and vigor, these underdogs just didn't have the skill necessary to beat the returning champions.

4. Despite their talent and hard work, the underdog team was defeated by the well-funded and well-equipped opponents, confirming the idea that providence is always on the side of the big battalions.