undermine
verb
un·der·mine
ˌən-dər-ˈmīn 
ˈən-dər-ˌmīn
undermined; undermining; undermines
1
: to subvert or weaken insidiously or secretly
trying to undermine his political rivals
2
: to weaken or ruin by degrees
3
: to wash away supporting material from under
Examples of undermine in a Sentence
She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss.
The events of the past year have undermined people's confidence in the government.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now, its Supreme Court is moving to hold a former president accountable for allegedly trying to undermine democracy and steer the country back toward authoritarian rule.
—
Júlia Dias Carneiro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
Failing to meet that obligation undermines not only educational opportunity, but also the sovereignty, economic vitality, and cultural survival of Tribal nations.
—Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The ruling makes Bolsonaro the country’s first former leader to be convicted for trying to undermine democracy.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undermine
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Júlia Dias Carneiro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
Failing to meet that obligation undermines not only educational opportunity, but also the sovereignty, economic vitality, and cultural survival of Tribal nations.
—Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The ruling makes Bolsonaro the country’s first former leader to be convicted for trying to undermine democracy.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Thanks in advance' This phrase can seem presumptuous, undermining the other person's ability to say no.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undermine
Cite this Entry
“Undermine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undermine. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undermine
verb
un·der·mine
ˌən-dər-ˈmīn
1
: to dig out or wear away the earth beneath
undermine a wall
2
: to weaken or ruin secretly or gradually
undermine a government
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