Definition of undoingnext
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

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undoing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of undo
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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
Ultimately, the provisions meant to lock taxpayers in could be the wealth tax’s undoing. — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026 Nadella, in a nutshell, is saying that heavily relying on proprietary AI software could also be a company’s undoing. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 July 2026
Verb
That jar of retinol on your nightstand only works if the rest of your evening habits are not undoing it. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2026 For McMurray, getting people interested means undoing some of what they have been taught about bugs. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undoing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undoing
Noun
  • The absence of a broader reckoning following Combs’ downfall becomes less surprising in light of this culture.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The report dismisses theories that the downfall of SVB was accelerated by rumors spreading on social media at the time.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Since then, the uniquely Chicago gatherings have become massive, paralyzing traffic on Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Duxbury mom does not dispute the killings at their home in January 2023, which preceded a paralyzing suicide attempt from a second-floor window.
    — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Transforming the cabin from sitting to sleeping is a group effort that includes unpacking the ladder (usually stowed beneath the seats with the luggage), unfastening the upper bunks, and making the beds.
    — Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Lane Kiffin will stroll off the LSU bus later this afternoon, acting as if none of the noise is bothering him.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The injury was something that had been bothering Smith throughout training camp, but the decision to get surgery wasn’t made until recently.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Counsel argued that seizing the ballots was necessary to preserve potential evidence before statutory destruction deadlines and to compare the total number of ballots with official vote records.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The investigation into Israel’s mass killing of civilians in Gaza was shot at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv where the filmmakers interviewed Israeli military intelligence officers and soldiers about destruction and loss of life.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
    — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The Nationals took the lead for good in the seventh inning when rookie John Klein allowed a solo home run to Keibert Ruiz, untying a game that pinch hitter Josh Bell had knotted up a half-inning earlier.
    — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The result is a safer-phone category that already spans traditional feature phones, minimalist devices and smartphones that have been deliberately stripped of distracting features.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Schedule time away from distracting apps If certain times of day are your weak spot, Downtime can help.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undoing. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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