Underdog Stories

noun a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds

adjective relating to a little-known competitor who unexpectedly wins or succeeds

• The dark horse in the election surprised everyone with a landslide victory.
• I never expected him to win, he was a real dark horse in the competition.
• That team is definitely the dark horse in the tournament, they could go all the way.
• She always seemed like a dark horse in the family, but she ended up being the most successful.

adjective unlucky or unfortunate

• The hapless employee made another mistake in the report.
• Poor hapless Tim just can't seem to catch a break.
• That hapless dude is always messing things up.
• The hapless sailor was lost at sea with no hope of rescue.

adjective Luckless is an adjective that describes someone who is unfortunate or lacking in luck.

• The luckless individual faced a series of unfortunate events.
• Poor guy just can't catch a break, he's so luckless.
• That luckless dude is always down on his luck.
• She felt like a luckless wanderer in a world full of opportunities.

noun a brave and spirited person

adjective showing courage in the face of danger or difficulty

• The plucky young entrepreneur started her own business despite facing many challenges.
• I admire your plucky attitude in taking on that difficult task.
• She's always been a plucky one, never backing down from a challenge.
• The plucky little flower pushed its way through the cracks in the pavement to reach the sunlight.

noun a candidate with little chance of success

• The long-shot candidate surprised everyone by winning the election.
• I can't believe that long-shot candidate actually won!
• That long-shot candidate pulled off a major upset!
• She was a long-shot candidate in the race for promotion, but she ended up getting the job.