undoing

[uhn-doo-ing]

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.

undoing

/ ʌnˈduːɪŋ /

noun

1. ruin; downfall

2. the cause of downfall

   drink was his undoing

Other Word Forms

• self-undoing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undoing¹

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

Example Sentences

"Amorim being so stubborn in what he's trying to do could be the undoing of him down the line," he said.

From BBC

However the Socialist Party says it wants a total break from Macron's pro-business policies as well as a repeal of the pension reform - which would be tantamount to undoing the president's legacy.

From BBC

For those who have forgotten about Deen’s massive, global reach prior to her undoing, the movie is an eye-popping reminder of celebrity ephemerality.

From Salon

It was the police investigation into Gustavson that would be Hopper's undoing.

From BBC

But in an economy where women are responsible for half the labor force, and have been for 25 years, the solution isn’t as simple as undoing all of that.

From Salon

Related Words

• downfall 
• miscalculation www.thesaurus.com