undermine
Meaning(s)
1. to go against somebody, to work against, to make someone look bad
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
John completely undermined me in that meeting, undermine sb's authority
Analysis
The verb 'to undermine' means to reduce the effect, power or ability of someone or something, usually incrementally or over a period of time. When you 'undermine' someone you might show that they are wrong or make them lose face in some way. It can also mean 'to erode' if you are talking about a rock or the base of something.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Selling unhealthy food in the staff canteen completely undermines our healthy living program.
- Any virus in our system will undermine our security software, our customers will lose confidence.
- Mary was always arguing with her Manager. She was always trying to undermine his authority when he spoke to others.
Social Examples (Basic)
- My father always thinks I am trying to undermine him when I tell him he is wrong.
- Don't undermine me in front of the boss like that again.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Mary was always arguing with her Manager. She was always trying to undermine his authority when he spoke to others.