Words / B2

und-uh-MYN/ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/

To undermine is to weaken something gradually or secretly: undermine trust; undermine an argument. Weaken is everyday; sabotage is more deliberate destruction. Underpin (already in the dictionary) is almost an opposite direction (support). Do not mix them. Politics: leaks undermine a consultation.

Meaning

To make something weaker, often gradually or secretly.

Examples

• “Leaked emails undermined trust in the consultation.”
• “A weak sample undermines the claim, which is the academic sense.”

Good to know

undermine trust / authority / an argument. Everyday: weaken. Stronger: sabotage. Opposite direction: underpin. Mix-up with underpin is common.

Near in meaning

weaken

New