American Dictionary
Definition undermine in American English
undermine
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
[transitive]
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/
▪ authority, confidence, credibility, legitimacy, morale, position, stability
1
to make something or someone become gradually less effective, confident, or successful
Example
Britain was accused of undermining international efforts to reduce pollution.
1.1
to deliberately say or do things that make someone appear less impressive or less important
Example
They had spoken secretly to reporters in an effort to undermine the leadership.
2
to dig under something, especially so that it becomes weaker
