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Undermining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undermining

[หŒสŒndษ™rหˆmaษชnษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action

To weaken or sabotage something, especially a position or authority, often in a subtle or gradual way.

Synonyms

compromise, erode, sabotage, subvert, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undermining

Used when someone is secretly or gradually making someone or something less effective or less strong, often in a disloyal way. It has a negative connotation.

  • Her constant criticism was undermining his confidence.
  • The leaks to the press are undermining the government's efforts.
weaken

This is used in general contexts to describe making something less strong, less intense, or less effective.

  • The long illness had weakened his body.
  • Financial issues can weaken a companyโ€™s stability.
sabotage

This refers to deliberate actions taken to damage, disrupt, or destroy something, typically in a secretive and hostile manner. Highly negative connotation.

  • There were attempts to sabotage the project from within the company.
  • The enemy planned to sabotage the railway lines.
subvert

Used when someone is trying to overthrow, ruin, or undermine something, often a system or institution, in a covert manner. This word has a negative connotation.

  • The insurgents aimed to subvert the government.
  • He tried to subvert the company's policies.
erode

Used to describe a gradual decline or weakening of something, often due to external forces like natural elements or continuous pressure.

  • The constant friction began to erode the relationship between the partners.
  • Wind and water can erode even the hardest rocks over time.
compromise

This word is often used in situations where a mutual agreement is reached by making concessions, or when the integrity of something is reduced. It can have both positive and negative connotations.

  • They managed to reach a compromise by both giving up some demands.
  • The security of the system was compromised due to outdated software.

Examples of usage

  • His constant criticism was undermining her confidence.
  • The leaked emails are undermining the company's reputation.
  • The constant gossip in the office is undermining team morale.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that when people undermine others, it often stems from jealousy or competition.
  • Undermining can have negative effects on the mental health of both the undermined and the underminer, creating a cycle of distrust.
  • In group dynamics, undermining can lead to toxic environments, affecting team performance and morale.

Politics

  • In politics, undermining often involves spreading misinformation or doubt about an opponent's credibility.
  • This tactic has been used throughout history, influencing election outcomes and public perceptions.
  • Undermining can also occur within political parties, where factions work secretly against one another to gain control or influence.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters engage in undermining behaviors to achieve personal goals, revealing themes of betrayal.
  • George Orwell's '1984' showcases a society rife with undermining, where loyalty is constantly questioned, highlighting the fragility of trust.
  • Shakespeare often portrayed characters who undermined others to gain power, illustrating the timeless nature of this theme.

Pop Culture

  • Undermining can be seen in modern media, such as reality television, where contestants often backstab or sabotage one another.
  • Television shows like 'Game of Thrones' heavily feature characters who undermine each other in their quests for power.
  • In social media, the act of undermining is prevalent in online interactions, influencing how individuals present themselves and react to others.

Origin of 'undermining'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the combination of 'under' (meaning beneath) and 'mine' (to dig), reflecting the act of digging under something.
  • First recorded use in the mid-1600s, referring to a military strategy where soldiers would dig tunnels to collapse structures.
  • The word evolved to describe both physical and figurative weakening, allowing usage in contexts like politics and interpersonal relationships.

The word 'undermining' originates from the Latin word 'minare,' meaning 'to project.' In the 14th century, it evolved to 'undermyne' in Middle English, with the prefix 'under-' indicating a downward direction. The concept of undermining has been used throughout history in various contexts, from military strategies to interpersonal relationships.

See also: mine, miner, mining, undermine, underminer.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,395, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.