underdog

noun

1. a person who is expected to lose in a contest or conflict.
2. a victim of social or political injustice: The underdogs were beginning to organize their protests.

noun

1. the competitor least likely to win a fight or contest
2. a person in adversity or in a position of inferiority

n.“the beaten dog in a fight,” 1887, from under + dog (n.). Cf. top dog “dominant person in a situation or hierarchy.” I’m a poor underdogBut tonight I will barkWith the great OverdogThat romps through the dark.[from “Canis Major,” Robert Frost, 1928]