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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Unable to leave, residents rely on each other In another neighborhood, a view of the brilliant deep blue of the Mediterranean, a block away, framed the ruins of what had been a famous creamery – Karrit Ice Cream.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
23 June 2026
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And then the next issue became the funeral, instead of just Scott and Jean hanging out in the ruins.—
Rob Salkowitz,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Noun
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There are kills aplenty and deaths of profound significance.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
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The recent deaths of three hikers in Grand Canyon National Park has prompted the National Park Service to remind park-goers of safety precautions.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Undoings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undoings. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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