noun
upset
An unexpected defeat of a favored competitor.
The underdogs celebrate a stunning upset over the defending champions.
Etymology
Upset developed a sense of overturning. In sport, an unexpected victory overturns the predicted order between favorite and challenger.
More examples
- The rookie pulls off an upset against the top-ranked player.
- Her victory over the popular mayor is a major upset.
- This tournament is full of upsets as favorites keep losing.
Forms
upset · upsets
Similar words
- surprise
- Broader term for an unexpected event, not necessarily a defeat.
- shocker
- Informal term emphasizing astonishment rather than a favorite's defeat.