undermine
verb (used with object)
to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.
had been undermining
-
past perfect progressiveof undermine.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Speaking later on BBC Newsnight, Lord Hain denied he had been undermining a decision of the courts, saying: "I considered it extremely seriously before I said it".
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2018
Speaking with the BBC's Justin Rowlett, Gen Nicholson said Russia had been undermining US efforts in the region despite shared interests in fighting terrorism and narcotics.
From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2018
The team felt the cool weather had been undermining one of its biggest offensive strengths: fly balls.
From New York Times ● Apr. 10, 2017
Several Vatican officials said that Cardinal Piacenza’s greatest transgression had been undermining his predecessor, a Brazilian prelate close to Francis who appeared with him on the balcony of St. Peter’s after his election.
From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2014
It was the jaguar, which had been undermining the rock: one after the other, the stones gave way; Boone rose, grasped his heavy rifle-barrel, and determined to await the attack of the animal.
From Monsieur Violet by Frederick Marryat
