undoing
Americannoun
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the reversing of what has been done; annulling.
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a bringing to destruction, ruin, or disaster.
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a cause of destruction or ruin.
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the act of unfastening or loosing.
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Psychiatry. an unconscious defense mechanism through which an attempt is made to reverse a psychologically unacceptable act by doing its opposite, usually repetitiously, in order to relieve anxiety.
noun
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ruin; downfall
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the cause of downfall
drink was his undoing
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of undoing
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at undo, -ing 1
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.
Nike is still undoing much of the fallout from its direct-to-consumer push.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
OK, the Chargers didn’t race to the podium to select offensive linemen — their undoing last season — but they have remade their offensive line anyway.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
Last year it was a three over par third round that proved his undoing.
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
Granted, the simplicity of Arnold’s portfolio could be its undoing.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
Xan tore down the road, her old bones groaning, undoing spell after spell, before she caught up to the wayward girl.
From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
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.
