Synonyms for

Undermining

Verb / ˈʌndɜ:ˌmaɪnɪŋ / Another word for undermining — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of weakening or damaging something, especially someone's position of power or authority.

Synonyms & similar words

countermine undermine sabotage counteract subvert cave weaken weakening subverting sabotaging disrupting impairing harming threatening eroding weakening attacking weakening degrading debasing belittling discrediting diminishing detracting spoiling ruining destroying

Synonyms by register

Formal

subverting weakening compromising eroding undercutting

Informal

sabotaging wrecking discrediting bad-mouthing

Literary

debilitating enervating undermining

Antonyms

strengthening supporting bolstering reinforcing upholding assisting encouraging

Common collocations

  • undermining efforts
  • undermining trust
  • undermining morale
  • undermining the economy
  • undermining democracy
  • undermining his authority
  • undermining the foundation

Word family

noun undermining
verb undermine
adjective undermining
adverb underminingly

Usage note

This word often implies a gradual and insidious process of weakening something, rather than direct attack. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The construction of the new building is undermining the foundation of the old one.
  2. The constant criticism was undermining her confidence.
  3. The hacker was able to undermine the security system.
  4. The CEO's unethical behavior was undermining the company's reputation.
  5. The athlete's injury undermined his ability to compete at the highest level.

Quotes

  • A man who has never made a woman angry is a failure in life.
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
  • Change your thoughts and you change your world.

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