One expected to lose (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: UNDERDOG (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "One expected to lose" with 8 letters is "UNDERDOG".Underdog refers to a person or team expected to lose in a competition or struggle. It is often used to describe a competitor who is considered less likely to win but may still triumph against the odds, making their success particularly noteworthy.
Why “Underdog” Fits
The clue asks for an 8-letter word meaning “one expected to lose.” The answer, UNDERDOG, fits perfectly:
- One expected to lose: "Underdog" refers to an individual or team thought unlikely to win in a contest, competition, or conflict—someone facing unfavorable odds.
- Classic context: The term applies to sports, elections, personal rivalries, and any scenario where one side is widely viewed as less powerful or skilled than the opposition.
This highly recognizable noun makes "underdog" a natural and direct solution for the clue.
"Underdog" is a celebrated word in sports, stories, and culture:
- Origin: The expression comes from 19th-century dogfighting, where the "underdog" was the losing canine in a match, evoking sympathy and support from spectators.
- Usage: "Everyone cheered for the underdog in the championship," "He was the underdog in the spelling bee, but won against expectations."
- Broader meaning: In literature and life, the underdog’s potential triumph is a powerful theme, inspiring hope and perseverance when facing adversity.
"Underdog" bridges the clue’s requirements for contest, expectation, and emotional impact.
In quick crosswords, clues like “one expected to lose (8)”:
- Lead to terms for disadvantaged competitors—“underdog,” “outsider,” “loser.”
- The answer length (8) fits "underdog" exactly, matching both the clue and the grid.
- When clues reference low odds or presumed defeat, underdog is the top choice.
Spotting the word’s contest context and enumeration quickly points to “underdog.”
