undoing

noun

un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ 

1

: an act of loosening : unfastening

2

: ruin

also : a cause of ruin

greed was to prove his undoing

3

: annulment, reversal

Synonyms

• downfall
• destruction

Examples of undoing in a Sentence

My quick temper was my undoing.

His quick temper helped lead to his undoing.

The incident resulted in her undoing.

Recent Examples on the Web

That sets up Saturday’s game as an opportunity for Auburn’s coach — or perhaps his undoing. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

But the undoing of the totemic reform of Macron’s mandates would be highly symbolic. —Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

What looks like good politics might also prove to be another step in the undoing of the Constitution’s checks and balances. —Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2025

Failing to make the postseason or struggling with him on the roster in back-to-back seasons could be Mendoza's undoing. —Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undoing

• accruing
• canoeing
• construing
• eschewing
• previewing
• pursuing
• renewing
• reviewing
• shampooing
• subduing
• tattooing
• unscrewing

Kids Definition

undoing

noun

un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ 

1

: an act or instance of unfastening

2

a

: ruin entry 1 sense 1

parental neglect helped lead to their undoing

b

: a cause of ruin

my quick temper was my undoing

3

: reversal, annulment