undoing

American  

[uhn-doo-ing] / ʌnˈdu ɪŋ /

noun

1. the reversing of what has been done; annulling.

   Synonyms:

   negation, reversal

2. a bringing to destruction, ruin, or disaster.

3. a cause of destruction or ruin.

4. the act of unfastening or loosing.

5. 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.

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undoing British  

/ ʌnˈduːɪŋ /

noun

1. ruin; downfall

2. the cause of downfall

   drink was his undoing

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Other Word Forms

• self-undoing adjective

Etymology

Origin of undoing

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; undo, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The polls suggest voters don't give much credit to politicians for undoing what many of their own MPs and members would consider mistakes they've made themselves.

From BBC

However, undoing decades of Soviet urban planning will not be quick or easy.

From BBC

In September, the company said it would split in two, undoing the 2015 deal.

From The Wall Street Journal

That was both his making and undoing, Chow said: "Otherwise, there would have been no Apple Daily. Of course, he wouldn't have ended up like this either."

From BBC

Months of supporter frustration at league placing, a failed transfer window and a botched attempt at Champions League progression will take some undoing.

From BBC

Related Words

• downfall
• miscalculation