undermining

[ uhn-der-mahy-ning ]

/ ˈʌn dərˌmaɪ nɪŋ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for undermining on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of injuring, attacking, or destroying something or someone indirectly or by imperceptible degrees, often leading to a dramatic collapse: The undermining of Scottish Gaelic as a viable language resulted not from decrees, but from a gradual weakening of independent Scottish institutions.

the act or process of weakening something or causing it to collapse by removing its underlying support, as by erosion: During the heavy rains, blocked sewers caused the flooding of the basement and the undermining of the wall by water.

the act of digging or tunneling underneath something, as a military stronghold: The siege works were now close enough to allow the undermining of some of the bastions of the fortress.

adjective

weakening something or someone gradually or indirectly: Seating students in rows, so they cannot see each other’s faces, has an undermining effect on their engagement.

digging or tunneling underneath something, or removing or eroding its underlying support: The land along the shoreline collapsed because of undermining waves and currents.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of undermining

undermin(e) + -ing¹ for the noun senses; undermin(e) + -ing² for the adjective senses

OTHER WORDS FROM undermining

un·der·min·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby undermining

underlying, undermanned, undermentioned, undermine, undermined, undermining, undermodulate, undermost, underneath, undernourish, undernourished

How to use undermining in a sentence

They also argue the Commission needs to act now or it risks undermining its in-train reform of digital regulations — which is due to be lay out in draft form early next month.
Act now before Google kills us, 135-strong coalition of startups warns EU antitrust chief|Natasha Lomas|November 12, 2020|TechCrunch
Perdue and Loeffler are actively trying to undermine the election results by demanding the Republican secretary of state resign.
The election can’t be ‘stolen.’ But something worse is happening.|Jennifer Rubin|November 11, 2020|Washington Post
This is a different kind of antitrust case, because it focuses on the allegedly improper use of data to maintain market position and undermine competition.
Amazon uses its data to undermine third party sellers, EU antitrust action says|Greg Sterling|November 10, 2020|Search Engine Land
The economic fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic undermined plans this summer to sign at least two potential starters from overseas.
D.C. United’s first offseason priority: Hiring a coach|Steven Goff|November 9, 2020|Washington Post

For instance, he laments that the historic role of the press as a fact-checker has been undermined by political leaders who lie with impunity, as well as pressure within mainstream media outlets to attract viewers and website clicks.
Some free-speech norms are in danger. Maybe that’s a good thing.|Kenneth Mack|November 6, 2020|Washington Post
There are, of course, already tourists clotting Cuban beaches and hotels—many of which are chains—undermining “family values.”
Castro's Hipster Apologists Want to Keep Cuba ‘Authentically’ Poor|Michael Moynihan|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is no question that undermining the financial foundations of ISIS is an important first step to rolling back the group.
To Kill the ISIS Monster You Gotta Do More Than Cut Off Its Money|Charlie Winter|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The emerging power dynamics in Yemen are undermining U.S. gains against Al Qaeda and strengthening ISIS.
Yemen’s a Model All Right—For Disaster|Michael Shank , Casey Harrity|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I am just so convinced that junk food and high sugar food are undermining the health of people…It caused a lot of strain.
Why the Rockefellers Rejected Big Oil|Tim Mak|September 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The song has been accused of reinforcing rape culture and the undermining of women.
We Should Celebrate Social Media's Slaying of Robin Thicke|Tauriq Moosa|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While the fortress was undermining at home, they were not idle, who were preparing to storm it from abroad.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
It might have been fancied that Nature, dreading his bold spirit, adopted the plan of slowly undermining his bodily power.
Toilers of the Sea|Victor Hugo
In the midst of these efforts depreciation was undermining the strength and corrupting the moral sense of the community.
A short history of Rhode Island|George Washington Greene
Except for the uprooting, the undermining influences of his war experience, he would have been revolted at his own actions.
The Hidden Places|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Finally, the removal of prohibitions was undermining the smugglers.
The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3)|Leslie Stephen