How to pronounce underdog
Say it like UHN-der-dawg. Underdog has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underdog. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- dawg
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underdog pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- dawgGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of underdog
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-dog.
What does underdog mean?
- A competitor thought unlikely to win.“They were the underdogs in the basketball competition.”
- Somebody at a disadvantage.
- A high swing wherein the person pushing the swing runs beneath the swing while the person being pushed is at the forward limit of the arc.
Where does underdog come from?
From under- + dog.
Questions about saying underdog
How do you pronounce underdog?
Say UHN-der-dawg. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌdɔɡ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌdɒɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underdog?
Underdog has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · dawg.
Is underdog pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌndəˌdɒɡ/ (UHN-duh-dog).