Undermine

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /ʌndərˈmaɪn/

Definitions of undermine

noun an action or process of undermining

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher's constant criticism can undermine a student's confidence.

A2 Gossiping about your colleagues can undermine team morale.

B1 Lack of communication can undermine the success of a project.

B2 The scandal undermined the company's reputation in the industry.

C1 The leaked emails had the potential to undermine national security.

C2 The political scandal threatened to undermine the stability of the government.

verb to weaken or damage gradually

Example Sentences

A1 Gossiping can undermine friendships.

A2 Skipping meals can undermine your health.

B1 Lack of communication can undermine team productivity.

B2 The leaked information could undermine the company's reputation.

C1 The scandalous revelations threatened to undermine the politician's career.

C2 The constant criticism from the media was intended to undermine the CEO's authority.

Examples of undermine in a Sentence

formal The leaked documents could potentially undermine the credibility of the company.

informal Spreading rumors like that could really undermine our friendship.

slang Don't let haters undermine your confidence.

figurative The constant criticism began to undermine her self-esteem.

Grammatical Forms of undermine

past tense

undermined

plural

undermines

comparative

more undermining

superlative

most undermining

present tense

undermine

future tense

will undermine

perfect tense

have undermined

continuous tense

is undermining

singular

undermine

positive degree

undermine

infinitive

to undermine

gerund

undermining

participle

undermined

Origin and Evolution of undermine

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'undermine' originated from the Middle English word 'undermyne' which was derived from the Old French word 'sourminer', meaning 'to tunnel beneath'.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in a literal sense to refer to digging beneath something, the word 'undermine' evolved to also signify weakening or subverting something gradually or secretly.