Favorite vs. Underdog — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
A favorite is a competitor expected to win, often due to superior skills or record, while an underdog is seen as less likely to succeed, garnering support for their potential to overcome odds.
Difference Between Favorite and Underdog
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A favorite in any competition, whether sports, business, or entertainment, is someone or something that is widely expected to come out on top. This expectation is typically based on past performances, skill levels, or other forms of demonstrated superiority. On the other hand, an underdog is perceived to have a lower chance of winning. The underdog status is often due to perceived disadvantages in skill, experience, or resources compared to the favorite.
While the favorite often carries the burden of expectation, leading to intense pressure to perform according to predictions, the underdog can leverage their position to perform without such weighty expectations. The underdog's success story is seen as more inspiring, as it involves overcoming significant challenges or expectations.
In terms of support, favorites usually have a solid base of supporters who expect success, whereas underdogs often attract those who love rooting for a comeback story or a surprise victory. This difference in support dynamics can significantly impact the morale and motivation of the competitors.
The strategic approaches of favorites and underdogs can also differ markedly. Favorites may adopt strategies that emphasize their strengths and maintain their status, while underdogs might employ more unconventional or risky strategies in an attempt to level the playing field.
Despite the contrasts, both favorites and underdogs play crucial roles in the narrative of competitions. Favorites set a benchmark of excellence and achievement, while underdogs add unpredictability and excitement, making competitions more engaging and relatable to audiences.
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Comparison Chart
Expectation
High, expected to win.
Low, not expected to win.
Pressure
High due to expectations.
Lower, with less to lose.
Support Dynamics
Solid base expecting success.
Attracts those rooting for a surprise or comeback.
Strategic Approach
May emphasize strengths to maintain status.
Might employ unconventional strategies.
Role in Competitions
Sets benchmarks of excellence.
Adds unpredictability and excitement.
Compare with Definitions
Favorite
A person treated with special favor.
He was the teacher's favorite in class.
Underdog
A competitor thought to have little chance of winning.
The underdog team won in a stunning upset.
Favorite
Someone preferred over others.
Chocolate is her favorite flavor.
Underdog
Someone at a disadvantage and expected to lose.
He's always been the underdog in these competitions.
Favorite
A competitor expected to win due to superior skills or achievements.
The team was the favorite to win the championship.
Underdog
Garnering support for being less likely to succeed.
The crowd loves an underdog story.
Favorite
Best liked or most enjoyed.
Jazz is his favorite genre of music.
Underdog
A position of lower expectation of success.
Taking the role of the underdog can sometimes work to one's advantage.
Favorite
The most probable to win or succeed.
She is the favorite candidate for the job.
Underdog
Fighting against odds or higher-ranked opponents.
The boxer was the underdog but fought bravely.
Favorite
One that enjoys special favor or regard.
Underdog
An underdog is a person or group in a competition, usually in sports and creative works, who is largely expected to lose. The party, team, or individual expected to win is called the favorite or top dog.
Favorite
One that is trusted, indulged, or preferred above all others, especially by a superior
A favorite of the monarch.
Underdog
One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics.
Favorite
A contestant or competitor regarded as most likely to win.
Underdog
One that is at a disadvantage.
Favorite
Liked or preferred above all others; regarded with special favor.
Underdog
A competitor thought unlikely to win.
Favorite
(American spelling) favourite
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
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
Common Curiosities
What defines a favorite in competitions?
A favorite is defined by their expected superior performance, based on past successes or inherent advantages.
Why do people root for underdogs?
People root for underdogs because they symbolize hope, resilience, and the possibility of overcoming significant odds.
Can an underdog become a favorite?
Yes, if an underdog consistently outperforms expectations, they can become a favorite in future competitions.
Is it common for favorites to always win?
While favorites have a higher chance of winning, upsets by underdogs are not uncommon and add excitement to competitions.
Why is the underdog story appealing?
The underdog story is appealing because it represents triumph against adversity, inspiring audiences with the possibility of achieving the unexpected.
Can being a favorite be a disadvantage?
Being a favorite can be a disadvantage if the pressure leads to anxiety or complacency, affecting performance.
What strategies might an underdog use?
Underdogs might use unconventional or risky strategies to exploit any opportunity to gain an advantage over stronger opponents.
How do expectations affect the performance of favorites and underdogs?
High expectations can create pressure on favorites, potentially affecting their performance, while low expectations can give underdogs a psychological edge.
What role do favorites play in setting competition standards?
Favorites set benchmarks of excellence and achievement that others aim to reach or surpass.
How can underdogs capitalize on their status?
Underdogs can capitalize on their status by embracing their role, using innovative strategies, and leveraging the lack of pressure to perform freely.
How does the underdog effect influence viewer engagement?
The underdog effect increases viewer engagement by adding unpredictability and rooting interest for those perceived as less likely to win.
What makes an underdog victory memorable?
An underdog victory is memorable because it defies expectations and showcases the power of determination and strategy.
How does the pressure differ between favorites and underdogs?
Favorites face high pressure to meet expectations, while underdogs face less pressure and can compete with a sense of freedom.
Do favorites have any specific preparation strategies?
Favorites may focus on refining their strengths, maintaining consistency, and preparing mentally to handle the pressure of expectations.
What impact do favorites and underdogs have on sportsmanship?
Both favorites and underdogs exemplify sportsmanship through their dedication, perseverance, and respect for competition, each from their own perspective of expectations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
