- Underdog is a term most commonly used in connection with sporting events, but it can be used in things ranging from politics to business. It refers to a person, group, or team that is generally considered to have a low chance of winning or prevailing. There are many different reasons for a person or group to be considered an underdog. Youth today face many different challenges from emotional to physical to scholastic. Many of the issues youth face begin with low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence. The lack of belief in themselves can lead to issues such as depression or acting out and keep them from participating in activities and scholastic events. Overcoming can mean different things to many different people. The common relation is to triumph over some sort of trial or obstacle. It commonly is tied to an underdog in sporting events when they have found a way to defeat a heavily favored opponent. In other areas, it usually means a person or group has managed to not only withstand a trial, but has come out in a better position afterward.