undermined

American  

[uhn-der-mahynd, uhn-der-mahynd] / ˌʌn dərˈmaɪnd, ˈʌn dərˌmaɪnd /

adjective

1. attacked, weakened, or defeated by underhand or seemingly harmless actions or by imperceptible stages.

   Both the struggling students and the most gifted ones are receiving limited support from an undermined educational system.

2. weakened or made to collapse by removing underlying support, as by eroding or digging away the foundation.

   With the release of material from the undermined cliffs at these sites, we should have had far more sand to feed the beaches, not less.

3. deliberately weakened by an excavation or tunnel dug underneath, as by an enemy in war.

   When the town was besieged, its defenders abandoned the undermined walls and retired into the citadel.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of undermine.

Etymology

Origin of undermined

undermine ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

County sample ballot, safety issues have undermined community trust in district leadership.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

The WSJ Dollar Index was flat after indicators undermined bets on interest rate hikes and supported forecasts of a prolonged Fed hold.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Investors were also monitoring negotiations between Washington and Tehran to end the Middle East war that have kept them guessing, with reports a deal was close undermined by fresh US strikes against Iran on Monday.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Ministers are concerned the offer of free childcare for many working parents is being undermined.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

She saw now that she had undermined his authority in all eyes by flouting his orders.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Related Words

• flawed