undoing

noun

un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce undoing (audio)
1
: an act of loosening : unfastening
2
: ruin
also : a cause of ruin
greed was to prove his undoing
3

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 17th hole proved to be Hatton’s undoing as the Englishman drove the ball into the rough on the downslope of a greenside bunker. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 June 2025 As with the first meeting, the third quarter proved to be the Sparks’ undoing. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 On Sunday at American Family Field, Matthews’ stuff generally was good, with five strikeouts in just three innings of work, but ultimately a series of walks proved to be his undoing. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025 Nick’s dedication to the commanders proves to be his undoing. Barry Levitt, Time, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for undoing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undoing was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undoing. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

undoing

noun
un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce undoing (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on undoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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