What does undermine mean?
Undermine means to weaken or damage something, especially by reducing confidence in it, undermining its authority, or eroding its effectiveness. The verb is especially common in political, institutional, and professional contexts, where it describes actions that gradually damage trust, credibility, stability, or the prospects for success. It can also be used more literally for the erosion of material beneath a structure or support, reflecting the word’s origins in mining. Undermine usually suggests an indirect or concealed process, making it stronger and more pointed than simply saying “weaken” in some contexts. The phrase “undermine confidence” is particularly frequent, while related expressions include “undermine authority,” “undermine trust,” and “undermine efforts.” The word is used in both British and American English and is broadly formal rather than slangy.
To weaken or damage something, especially confidence, authority, stability, or effectiveness, usually gradually or indirectly.
"The committee criticized the misleading report for undermining confidence in the research."
Usually transitive and formal; also used literally of erosion or digging beneath something’s support.
An act or instance of weakening, damaging, or subverting something, especially authority or public confidence.
"The gradual undermining of judicial independence was widely condemned."
Rare as a standalone noun; “undermining” is much more usual.
The noun is rare and usually appears in the mass form “undermining”; plural uses are uncommon.
"Each calculated attempt to undermine the settlement failed."
To undermine is to attack something at its foundations, whether figuratively or through its original mining image.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does undermine come from?
Undermine developed in early modern English from “under” and the mining verb “mine,” originally referring to digging beneath a structure or support. Its principal figurative sense of weakening authority, confidence, or stability became established during the 17th century. Its components are related to the familiar mining terms “mine,” “miner,” and “mining,” while “under” comes from Old English.
Related word forms
How undermine is actually used
The word is formal and commonly transitive, as in “undermine confidence.” It often conveys gradual, indirect damage rather than an obvious or immediate attack.
Easily confused with undermine
Underlining emphasizes a point or makes it more noticeable, whereas undermining weakens or damages something.