undermine
verb (used with object)
to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.
have been undermining
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present perfect progressiveof undermine.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
“Everything that we have been fighting for, you have been undermining by coming and fighting me here,” Bourdeaux said at a recent debate.
From Reuters ● May 19, 2022
Even so, rising prices have been undermining confidence in the overall economy, according to the Gallup numbers and other consumer sentiment readings.
From New York Times ● Mar. 29, 2022
But if the social problems that have been undermining the unity and integrity of our societies and compromising our institutions are not addressed, we are sure to find ourselves in other crises before too long.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 21, 2022
This late far niente and vacuous inaction here have been undermining my spirit; this inert brooding upon the earth; this empty life, and bursting brain!
From The Purple Cloud by M. P. (Matthew Phipps) Shiel
For many years, as you well know, I undertook the task of collecting all publications which have been undermining public morals.
From Moral by Charles Recht
