as in downfalls
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life
an intractable drug habit proved to be her sad undoing
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Recent Examples of undoings
Starring Oscar Isaac as the titular brilliant but egotistical scientist Victor, Frankenstein sees the doctor bring a creature (Elordi) to life with a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to both of their undoings.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
The gothic sci-fi film — which is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion at the festival — is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic horror novel following a brilliant scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life, ultimately resulting in both of their undoings.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025
In a new report from The Athletic, Mike Jones, Dan Pompei, Jeff Howe, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Jacob Robinson break down the biggest teams that constantly make it to the playoffs, but can't seem to get past their own undoings.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
The gothic sci-fi film — which is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion at the festival — is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic horror novel following a brilliant scientist who brings a monstrous creature to life, ultimately resulting in both of their undoings.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 30 Aug. 2025
In a new report from The Athletic, Mike Jones, Dan Pompei, Jeff Howe, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Jacob Robinson break down the biggest teams that constantly make it to the playoffs, but can't seem to get past their own undoings.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undoings
Noun
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What appears to be a series of dramatic personal downfalls is in fact part of a broader pattern shaped by the country’s political system.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 May 2026
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Lushly photographed and boosted by a few killer tracks, Daisy Jones & the Six delivers the lurid delights and downfalls of a satisfying behind-the-music tale.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Programming includes theatrical performances, poetry readings and concerts staged inside and around ancient ruins — a setting that is impossible to replicate at any other time of year, since most of these sites are not open after dark on ordinary days.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
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Ancient Lycian ruins often appear directly above the waterline, while small fishing villages remain largely unchanged by mass tourism.—
Katia Damborsky,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Two crashes that unfolded early Sunday morning resulted in deaths, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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By May 28, authorities had confirmed eight deaths and said three employees were in areas of the plant still inaccessible to crews due to safety concerns.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undoings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undoings. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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