verb
Uncommon
undermine
uhn-duh-MYN
Undermine (verb) means to weaken support or confidence gradually, often secretly. Example: “Constant criticism undermined her confidence.”
verb
1
To weaken support or confidence gradually, often secretly.
"Constant criticism undermined her confidence."
"Rumors were spreading that could undermine the company's reputation."
"Leaking private emails to the press could undermine the manager's authority with the team."
2
To wear away the base or foundation of something physically, such as by water or digging.
"Years of flooding had undermined the riverbank."
"Rabbits had undermined the old wall by burrowing beneath its foundations."
"Heavy waves slowly undermine the cliff until large pieces of rock fall into the sea."
How to use undermine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo weaken something bit by bit, often without it being obvious at first.
Common mistake
Usually used about damaging trust, authority, or stability — not simply "to defeat."
Common pairings
undermine confidence
undermine authority
undermine efforts
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- undermines
- Past tense
- undermined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Constant criticism _____ her confidence.
Etymology
From under- plus mine, originally meaning to dig a tunnel beneath a wall to bring it down.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for undermine
See all rhymes for undermine →Frequently asked questions
What does “undermine” mean?
The word “undermine” means to weaken support or confidence gradually, often secretly. In plain terms, to weaken something bit by bit, often without it being obvious at first.
How do you pronounce “undermine”?
“Undermine” is pronounced uhn-duh-MYN (/ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “undermine” in a sentence?
Here is “undermine” used in a sentence: “Constant criticism undermined her confidence.”
What is the opposite of “undermine”?
The opposite of “undermine” — its antonyms — is undergird.
What part of speech is “undermine”?
“Undermine” is a verb.
Is “undermine” a common word?
“Undermine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “undermine” have?
“Undermine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to weaken support or confidence gradually, often secretly.
What is the difference between undermine and sabotage?
Undermine typically means to weaken support or confidence gradually, often secretly, through a slow, ongoing process, while sabotage usually implies a more deliberate, direct act of damage or disruption. Undermining is often subtler and cumulative compared to a single act of sabotage.
What is the difference between undermine and undercut?
Undermine emphasizes a gradual, often hidden weakening of support or confidence, while undercut more often implies directly reducing someone's position, price, or authority in a more immediate way. Both can describe damaging someone's standing, but undermine leans toward slow erosion.
What are common things people say are undermined?
Undermine is frequently paired with words like confidence, authority, trust, and credibility, describing the gradual weakening of these things. It can also be used literally, as in water undermining the foundation of a building.
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