undoing 1 of 2

as in downfall
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life an intractable drug habit proved to be her sad undoing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

undoing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of undo
1
2
3

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of undoing
Noun
While appearing radical at the time, the revamping of scientific boards to include more industry representatives, the undoing of power plant rules and the lessening of enforcement hobbled but did not completely undo the agency. Barbara Kates-Garnick, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025 It was intended to be a disruptive innovation, but the complexity of NV1, and its lack of developer support, ultimately proved to be its undoing. Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
See, writers, this is what this episode has done to me, and there's no undoing it. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2025 Barra's leadership — and close collaboration with longtime professional partner, GM President Mark Reuss — has seen the automaker through upheavals ranging from a global pandemic to an administration undoing decades of trade, energy and environmental policy. Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undoing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undoing
Noun
  • The real hoax is that the Democrats are now using these victims to deflect from their party's spectacular downfall.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Spirit’s downfall is partly the result of higher interest rates.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • High-stakes performance reviews can be especially paralyzing.
    Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • During lockdown, Mendelsund was consumed by a deep and paralyzing depression.
    Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Lead with Gratitude and Grace Calling out someone for bothering you is always tricky.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That appeared to be a distraction at times to Anisimova, who motioned to her team in the stands that something was bothering her during ball tosses for serves.
    Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Critical wildlife habitat may be put at risk for alteration or wholesale destruction.
    Ryan Gellert, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But tenants have little legal footing to stand on in combating that destruction.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This combination lends itself to transitions from focus to out of focus and background blur (bokeh) that's smooth and free of distracting elements.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though Smith was charged with four counts of assault for scaring and endangering the villagers, troopers did not say he was involved in his mother’s death.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike other security systems that passively report break-ins to customers or police, Sauron security agents are constantly monitoring to provide real-time incident responses such as watching and scaring away a would-be robber via their speaker system.
    Victoria Feng, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • First aid efforts should include moving the person to a cooler area, loosening clothing, and offering sips of water.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Far infrared heat is highly effective in loosening tight muscles and joints.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undoing. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on undoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!