Undermining: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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 company’s stability.

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.

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.

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.

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• The security of the system was compromised due to outdated software.