undermine
verb (used with object)
to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.
has undermined
-
present perfectof undermine (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The 2025 deal for Skydance to takeover Paramount, CBS's parent company, included the unprecedented promise that the organization would "root out bias that has undermined trust," FCC chairman Brendan Carr said.
From Barron's ● Mar. 2, 2026
The process has undermined the public markets’ core purpose: enabling hardworking Americans to create long-term wealth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 23, 2025
Others are ready to admit there are questions to be answered over her qualification and performance, but say the global bullying has undermined any attempt to fairly analyse what went down in Paris.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2024
The American mind’s shift from society to self has undermined our ability to be happy for others.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2024
“I find myself wanting to impress you in a way I never thought about doing before, but being with you has undermined my self-confidence. I question my motives now, about everything I do.”
From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
