Favorite vs. Underdog: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 25, 2023
A favorite is a person or thing expected to win or preferred above others, while an underdog is one expected to lose or at a disadvantage. Both terms are often used to describe competitors in various contests.
Key Differences
In various competitions, a favorite is a competitor, either a person or a team, presumed by the public or experts to have the highest probability of winning. Favorites often have a record of success, superior skills, or advantageous conditions propelling them to the forefront. The designation of a favorite implies a degree of confidence in their ability to secure victory, often influencing public expectations and betting odds. The term can also extend to personal preferences, indicating a favored option or choice among many.
Contrastingly, an underdog refers to a competitor perceived to be at a disadvantage or less likely to succeed. This term is often associated with competitors who face seemingly insurmountable odds due to a lack of resources, experience, or recognized skill. However, the narrative of the underdog is deeply ingrained in popular culture, symbolizing hope and resilience. The underdog’s potential victory is seen as a triumph over adversity, inspiring audiences and elevating the value of perseverance and tenacity.
Favorites, with their perceived advantages, often bear the weight of expectations, with their victories seen as the fulfillment of a predicted outcome. This status can be both an advantage and a pressure point, as any deviation from the anticipated success may be perceived as a significant failure. The recognition as a favorite is contingent on maintaining a consistent performance level and meeting the high standards set by oneself or the public.
The underdog, being in a disadvantageous position, usually has lower expectations and less pressure to succeed. Their victories, when they occur, are often celebrated as extraordinary achievements, and their journey is regarded as a source of inspiration and motivation. The underdog story resonates widely as it exemplifies the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges and defy the odds.
In conclusion, the favorite and underdog are contrasting concepts, representing different ends of expectation and probability spectrum. The favorite is synonymous with high expectations and a high chance of victory, while the underdog embodies hope, resilience, and the potential for unexpected success.
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Comparison Chart
Expectation
Expected to win
Expected to lose
Public Perception
Confidence and high probability of success
Disadvantage and low probability of success
Pressure
High, due to expectations
Low, due to lower expectations
Impact of Victory
Seen as fulfillment of prediction
Celebrated as a significant achievement
Narrative
Fulfillment of potential
Triumph over adversity
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Favorite and Underdog Definitions
Favorite
Enjoying special favor or preference.
She is the teacher’s favorite student.
Underdog
A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.
The underdog team won in a surprising upset.
Favorite
Considered the best bet among gamblers.
The favorite horse has the lowest odds.
Underdog
A victim of social or political injustice.
The lawyer was known for defending underdogs in court.
Favorite
Most preferred option or choice among many.
Ice cream is my favorite dessert.
Underdog
One at a disadvantage and expected to lose.
The young contender was the underdog against the seasoned boxer.
Favorite
A person or thing expected to win in a competition.
The reigning champion is the favorite to win the tournament.
Underdog
Representing the side less favored.
The underdog candidate managed to secure many votes.
Favorite
Something regarded with special favor or liking.
This park is a favorite among locals.
Underdog
Someone who has lower odds in betting.
Betting on the underdog can lead to significant winnings.
Favorite
One that enjoys special favor or regard.
Underdog
One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics.
Favorite
One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others, especially by a superior
A favorite of the monarch.
Underdog
One that is at a disadvantage.
Favorite
A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.
Underdog
A competitor thought unlikely to win.
Favorite
Liked or preferred above all others; regarded with special favor.
Underdog
Somebody at a disadvantage.
Favorite
(American spelling) favourite
Underdog
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.
Favorite
(American spelling) favourite
Underdog
One at a disadvantage and expected to lose
Favorite
(American spelling) favourite
Favorite
A person or thing regarded with peculiar favor; one treated with partiality; one preferred above others; especially, one unduly loved, trusted, and enriched with favors by a person of high rank or authority.
Committing to a wicked favoriteAll public cares.
Favorite
Short curls dangling over the temples; - fashionable in the reign of Charles II.
Favorite
The competitor (as a horse in a race) that is judged most likely to win; the competitor standing highest in the betting.
Favorite
Regarded with particular affection, esteem, or preference; as, a favorite walk; a favorite child.
Favorite
Something regarded with special favor or liking;
That book is one of my favorites
Favorite
A special loved one
Favorite
A competitor thought likely to win
Favorite
Appealing to the general public;
A favorite tourist attraction
Favorite
Preferred above all others and treated with partiality;
The favored child
FAQs
Is the term favorite only used in sports?
No, favorite can be used in various contexts to denote preference or likelihood of success.
Can a favorite also be a personal preference?
Yes, a favorite can refer to a person's most preferred choice or option.
Can being an underdog relieve pressure?
Yes, underdogs often have lower expectations and consequently may experience less pressure.
Does being a favorite entail more pressure to succeed?
Yes, favorites often face higher expectations and therefore may experience more pressure.
Does a favorite always win?
No, being a favorite only implies a higher probability of winning, but it is not guaranteed.
Is the term underdog synonymous with disadvantage?
Yes, an underdog is generally perceived to be at a disadvantage.
Can a favorite in one situation be an underdog in another?
Yes, the status of favorite or underdog can change depending on the context and competition.
Can an underdog have a significant impact if they win?
Yes, an underdog winning can be highly impactful and inspiring due to overcoming the odds.
Can underdogs be more motivated to prove themselves?
Yes, underdogs often have a strong motivation to overcome challenges and prove their worth.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
