Undermining - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Undermining means weakening or damaging something gradually, often secretly. It can refer to reducing someone’s authority, confidence, or efforts, or physically eroding a structure’s foundation.
Definition:
Weakening or damaging something gradually, often secretly or insidiously.
Synonyms:
sabotaging, weakening, subverting, eroding
Part of Speech:
noun, gerund
Antonyms:
strengthening, supporting
Common Collocations:
undermining confidence, undermining authority, undermining efforts
Derivatives:
undermine (verb), underminer (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "undermining" to describe actions that weaken trust or stability over time, often subtly.
Common Phrases:
undermining someone's credibility, undermining the foundation, undermining morale
Etymology:
From Old English "underminian," meaning to dig beneath or weaken from below.
Examples:
- 1. Her constant criticism is undermining his confidence.
- 2. The scandal is undermining public trust in the government.
- 3. Poor communication risks undermining team morale.
- 4. Lack of sleep can undermine your health over time.