- present participle of undermine.
undermining
Americannoun
-
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of undermining
First recorded in 1350–1400; undermin(e) ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun senses; undermin(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses
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.
While Vance was praising a technical framework designed to facilitate a regional ceasefire, the president was threatening the total annihilation of his negotiating partners, completely undermining his vice president’s diplomatic messaging.
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026
He argues that the US especially risks undermining one of its most successful sources of influence abroad.
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
Nawrocki said Kyiv's "decision to glorify the UPA is not only outrageous" but also "deeply disappointing", undermining "reconciliation" between the two nations.
From Barron's • Jun. 20, 2026
If income drops, a job is lost or competing financial priorities emerge, premium payments may be reduced or stopped altogether, potentially undermining the policy’s long-term viability.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026
Was he a villain for stealing secrets and undermining the government’s ability to protect the public?
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
