Meaning of Undermine
to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
In simple words: To weaken or damage something gradually.
Undermine in a sentence
- Our confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats.
- This crisis has undermined his position.
- Recent changes have undermined teachers’ morale.
- The director saw this move as an attempt to undermine his authority.
- It's all a plot to undermine me.
How to use Undermine
Typically used in both formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in casual conversations as it may sound overly serious. Often used in discussions about relationships, authority, or systems.
Grammar pattern
undermine + object
Memory hint
Think of 'under mine'—digging under ground to make it weaker.
Related words
Opposites of Undermine
Common mistakes with Undermine
- Confused with 'undermine' vs 'undermine'.
- Using the wrong tense, like 'undermined' when it should be 'undermine'.
- Misplacing the object, saying 'undermine to group' instead of 'undermine the group'.
Undermine appears in
Undermine in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يقوّض
إضعاف أو إلحاق الضرر بشيء ما تدريجيًا.
- Bengaliবাংলা
দুর্বল করা, ক্ষতি করা
ধীরে ধীরে কোনো কিছুর ক্ষতি করা বা দুর্বল করে দেওয়া।
- GermanDeutsch
untergraben
Etwas allmählich schwächen oder beschädigen.
- SpanishEspañol
Socavar
Hacer que algo sea más débil o menos efectivo poco a poco.
- Persianفارسی
تضعیف کردن
به تدریج چیزی را ضعیف یا خراب کنی.
- FrenchFrançais
Miner, saper
affaiblir ou endommager quelque chose petit à petit.
- Hindiहिन्दी
कमज़ोर करना
किसी चीज़ को धीरे-धीरे कमज़ोर या नुक़सान पहुँचाना।
- ItalianItaliano
minare, indebolire
Indebolire o danneggiare qualcosa gradualmente.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Minar, Socavar
Enfraquecer ou danificar algo aos poucos.
- RussianРусский
Подрывать, ослаблять
Постепенно ослаблять или портить что-то.
- Urduاردو
کمزور کرنا، نقصان پہنچانا
کسی چیز کو آہستہ آہستہ کمزور یا نقصان پہنچانا۔
- Chinese中文
削弱, 破坏
逐渐削弱或损害某事物。
More words like Undermine
- Weaken
- Sabotage
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
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Frequently asked questions about Undermine
What does Undermine mean?
To weaken or damage something gradually.
What is the definition of Undermine?
to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective
How do you use Undermine in a sentence?
Our confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats.
Can you give another example of Undermine?
This crisis has undermined his position.
What are synonyms for Undermine?
Common alternatives include subvert, weaken, sabotage, thwart, counteract.
What is the opposite of Undermine?
Opposite meanings include strengthen, support.
What words go with Undermine?
It commonly pairs with greatly, radically, seriously, threaten to, attempt to, seek to.
What are common mistakes when using Undermine?
Confused with 'undermine' vs 'undermine'. Using the wrong tense, like 'undermined' when it should be 'undermine'. Misplacing the object, saying 'undermine to group' instead of 'undermine the group'.
How do you pronounce Undermine?
US: /["/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnz/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnd/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnz/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnd/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Undermine?
Typically used in both formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in casual conversations as it may sound overly serious. Often used in discussions about relationships, authority, or systems.
What CEFR level is Undermine?
"Undermine" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.

