undermine
gb/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn/ us/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn/
B2
English
~ 3700
aláás, megingat, alámos
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to undermine [someone's/something's] [authority/confidence/position]
His constant criticism began to undermine her self-esteem.
A férfi állandó kritikája kezdte aláásni a nő önbecsülését.
The scandal could undermine public trust in the government.
A botrány alááshatja a kormányba vetett közbizalmat.
These actions are likely to undermine the company's long-term success.
Rumors about the CEO's conduct undermined investor confidence.
Negative media coverage undermined his chances of re-election.
Learner examples
Her words undermine my confidence.
A szavai aláássák az önbizalmamat.
Bad news can undermine the team spirit.
A rossz hírek alááshatják a csapatszellemet.
Lies will undermine our friendship.
Criticism can undermine a child's happiness.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'undermine' with 'underline', which has a completely different meaning (to emphasize something).
Meaning
Weaken authority or confidence
Collocations
undermine confidence
|undermine authority
|undermine trust
|undermine credibility
Synonyms
weaken (A more general term that can refer to physical or non-physical weakening.)
|
erode (Suggests a slow, gradual loss of strength or influence.)
Antonyms
strengthen (Means to make stronger or more effective.)
Themes
business
|politics
|emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To slowly make someone less strong, less confident, or less powerful.
To make someone or something weaker or less effective, often in a gradual or indirect way, especially by reducing their authority, confidence, or influence.
VERB
B2
2
Usage pattern:
to undermine [a structure/a wall]
Flooding has undermined the foundations of several houses.
Az áradás több ház alapját is alámosta.
The river's current gradually undermined the bank.
A folyó sodrása fokozatosan alámosta a partot.
Burrowing animals can undermine roads and paths.
Erosion from heavy rains undermined the bridge supports.
Learner examples
Water can undermine a wall.
A víz alámoshatja a fal alapját.
The river undermined the bank.
A folyó alámosta a partot.
Rats undermined the floor of the shed.
Meaning
Damage base or foundation
Collocations
undermine a building
|undermine a wall
|undermine stability
Synonyms
erode (Especially common when referring to soil, rock, or other physical materials being worn away.)
|
sap (Literary or formal term meaning to gradually weaken physical structure.)
Antonyms
reinforce (Means to make a structure stronger or more stable.)
Themes
construction
|nature
|housing
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make the bottom part of something weak so it may fall or break.
To weaken or destroy the structural base or foundation of something, often causing it to be less stable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
undermine
IPA
GB/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn/
US/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn/
Syllables & stress
un - der - mine (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (un)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: undermine
- 3rd Person Singular: undermines
- Present Participle: undermining
- Past: undermined
Word family
Forms
undermines
verb
undermining
verb
undermined
verb
Negative and opposite forms
support
verb A2
strengthen
verb B1
Advanced or less common
underminer
noun
Expressions
undermine confidence in
1/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn kˈɑnfədəns ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
Reduce belief or trust in something
To slowly make people trust someone or something less.
Examples
- The data leak has undermined confidence in the company.
- False reports can undermine confidence in science.
undermine someone's authority
1/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn sˈʌmwˌʌnz əθˈɔɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Reduce someone's power over others
To slowly take away someone's power to control people or decisions.
Examples
- Speaking over your boss in meetings can undermine their authority.
- The teacher felt that the principal's decision undermined her authority in class.
undermine the foundation of
1/ˈʌndɚmˌaɪn ðə faʊndˈeɪʃən əv/
fixed phrase
Weaken basic support of something
To make the basic part or main idea of something weaker.
Examples
- Corruption can undermine the foundation of democracy.
- Heavy rains undermined the foundation of the old bridge.