undermine
verb (used with object)
to injure or destroy by insidious activity or imperceptible stages, sometimes tending toward a sudden dramatic effect.
have undermined
-
present perfectof undermine.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 protests follow a series of controversies that have undermined trust in India's testing system, including the leak of a medical entrance examination paper that forced more than two million candidates to retake the test.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
My generation has suffered from two vicious influences that have undermined our collective elasticity and perseverance, and with that, our willingness to take risks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
Critics say the mayor’s missteps have undermined public confidence in the rebuilding process.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025
Critics in and outside the Palisades say the mayor’s missteps have undermined public confidence in the rebuilding process.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025
Had Goldstein settled for these weasel words, she would have undermined her analysis before it began.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
