C1verb2K

Undermine

UK /["/ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnz/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnd/","/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnz/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnd/","/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective

In simple words: To weaken or damage something gradually.

Examples

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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

greatly
radically
seriously
threaten to
attempt to
seek to

Synonyms

subvert
weaken
sabotage
thwart
counteract

Antonyms

strengthen
support

Common mistakes

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'.