Undermines Meaning in English
word · lemma: undermine
Definition
To gradually weaken, damage, or make something or someone less effective, often in a secret or indirect way.
Usage & Nuances
Common in formal and academic writing. Often used with words like 'authority', 'confidence', 'system', or 'position'. Implies a slow or hidden process. Do not confuse with 'destroy', which is more direct and total.
Spanish: socava - minaPortuguese (BR): enfraquece - minaPortuguese (PT): enfraquece - minaChinese (Simplified): 削弱 - 破坏Chinese (Traditional): 削弱 - 破壞Hindi: कमज़ोर करता है - कमजोर करता हैArabic: يُقوض - يُضعِفBengali: দুর্বল করা - ক্ষুণ্ন করাRussian: подрыватьJapanese: 弱める - 損なうVietnamese: làm suy yếuKorean: 약화시키다Turkish: zayıflatmak - baltalamakUrdu: کمزور کرناIndonesian: melemahkan
Example Sentences
Rainwater slowly undermines the wall.
basic
Constant criticism undermines her confidence.
basic
Lies undermine trust between friends.
basic
Spreading rumors at work really undermines team spirit.
natural
That kind of joke just undermines the manager’s authority.
natural
She worries that his actions undermine everything they’ve worked for.
natural