as in weakened
to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way
She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss. The events of the past year have undermined people's confidence in the government.
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Recent Examples of undermined
For the Royals, the loss undermined a stellar performance from starting pitcher Michael Wacha.
—
Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
These institutions undermined themselves too.
—Gil Troy, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
That record deserves to be built upon, not undermined by rates that fail to keep pace.
—Joe Hardy, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The American Federation of Government Employees joined more than 30 unions this week in urging Congress to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, warning that funding lapses undermined employee morale, recruitment and retention.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
He and Flores also are accused of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their trafficking operation.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
The judge found her involvement in the fraud scheme during that period undermined her eligibility and that there were no mitigating circumstances to excuse her conduct.
—Sergio Candido, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Controversies over the handling of abuse cases have undermined the trust of the faithful and the public.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
They are also accused of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their trafficking operation.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
These institutions undermined themselves too.
—Gil Troy, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
That record deserves to be built upon, not undermined by rates that fail to keep pace.
—Joe Hardy, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The American Federation of Government Employees joined more than 30 unions this week in urging Congress to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, warning that funding lapses undermined employee morale, recruitment and retention.
—ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
He and Flores also are accused of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their trafficking operation.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
The judge found her involvement in the fraud scheme during that period undermined her eligibility and that there were no mitigating circumstances to excuse her conduct.
—Sergio Candido, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Controversies over the handling of abuse cases have undermined the trust of the faithful and the public.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
They are also accused of ordering kidnappings, beatings and murders of those who owed them drug money or undermined their trafficking operation.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undermined
Verb
-
But, Scanlon noted, the budget was weakened by federal policy changes.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
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Shipping and insurance costs, inflation and uncertainty are on the rise, and with currencies in developing countries now weakened, imports such as fuel and food are even more expensive for residents.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Governor Kathy Hochul's once-commanding lead over Republican Bruce Blakeman has eroded by half in three months, collapsing from 26 points in January to just 13 points, according to the latest Siena Research Institute poll.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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The church’s conservative views on social issues including same-sex partnerships and women in leadership have eroded its relationships with more liberal iterations of the Anglican Communion, particularly in Britain and North America.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The helicopter landed in an area where there were no cars close enough to be damaged or to pose a risk, Davalos said.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The driver in front of him whose truck was damaged by Woods’ driving also walked away.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Not once, not twice, but several times where clearly he has been impaired while driving.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Legal Consequences and Safety Advice While driving laws vary by state, the FDA notes that operating a vehicle while impaired by medication—prescription or over‑the‑counter—can have similar legal consequences to driving under the influence of alcohol.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Recurring internet blackouts have also compromised communications, and caused even more confusion for families, who have been racing to confirm the fates of those who have disappeared.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Naturally, over time, the materials inside our mattress will compress under the weight, shift or wear down, all of which can ultimately lead to poor spinal alignment and compromised sleep positioning.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kuo believes the question of unification will inevitably be resolved during Xi’s tenure, but is concerned Xi will opt for a more aggressive approach, such as a blockade or invasion, as relations between Beijing and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party have deteriorated.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, Narges was finally allowed a brief visit with her sister and two lawyers, who were alarmed at how rapidly her health had deteriorated.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undermined.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undermined. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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