underdog story
/ˈʌndərdɔːɡ ˈstɔːri/
Meaning
An 'underdog story' refers to a narrative in sports, movies, or real life where a person or team who is expected to lose or has little chance of success ultimately wins or achieves greatness. It carries an inspiring and encouraging tone.
Examples
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The movie is a classic underdog story about a small-town boxer who gets a shot at the world title.
The movie is a classic underdog story about a small-town boxer who gets a shot at the world title.
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Everyone loves a good underdog story, which is why the crowd cheered so loudly for the lowest-ranked player.
Everyone loves a good underdog story, which is why the crowd cheered so loudly for the lowest-ranked player.
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Their journey from a tiny startup to a tech giant is the ultimate underdog story.
Their journey from a tiny startup to a tech giant is the ultimate underdog story.
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I prefer an underdog story over a movie where the main character is already rich and successful.
I prefer an underdog story over a movie where the main character is already rich and successful.
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The team's victory in the finals was a perfect underdog story that no one saw coming.
The team's victory in the finals was a perfect underdog story that no one saw coming.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I love watching under-dog stories.
✓ I love watching underdog stories.
'Underdog' is always written as a single compound word without a hyphen.
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✗ The champion's easy victory was a great underdog story.
✓ The challenger's surprise victory was a great underdog story.
An 'underdog story' requires the protagonist to be the unlikely winner. A dominant champion winning easily does not fit this description.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The film tells an inspiring ___ about a runner who overcomes a severe injury to win gold.
💡 A narrative about an unlikely competitor achieving success.
Show answer
underdog story
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People naturally gravitate toward an ___ because we like to see the little guy win.
💡 A narrative type where the weak defeat the strong.
Show answer
underdog story