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.
A chaotic 13-minute spell from Manchester City in the second half of a six-goal thriller at Everton could prove to be the visitors' undoing in the Premier League title race.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
In an attempt to bolster their story, they even submitted a video of the incident — but it ultimately would be their undoing, authorities said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
Granted, the simplicity of Arnold’s portfolio could be its undoing.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
Each pregnancy began with quiet anticipation and ended in its undoing.
From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026
Multiply by two and you stretch the number line by a factor of two; divide by two and you relax the rubber band by a factor of two, undoing the multiplication.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
