Undermine
Termites in floorboards, rumors in campaigns, and scope creep in roadmaps all work the same quiet way: weakening from below while the surface looks fine.
Learn This WordMeaning
To gradually weaken, damage, or erode the foundation of something, often subtly or secretly.
Memory trick
UNDER-MINE: picture digging a mine beneath a wall until it collapses from below.
Examples
Constant interruptions undermine the credibility of the presentation.
The leaked memo undermined months of careful negotiation.
Skipping sleep will undermine even the best study plan before test day.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From under- "beneath" + mine "to dig under fortifications," from Old French mine. Originally digging beneath walls to collapse them.
Usage Notes
Common in GMAT critical reasoning and business contexts where an argument, plan, or position is weakened from within.
Real-life contexts
Use in debate: "That exception undermines the whole argument."
Use in work: "Delays like this undermine client confidence."
Use in study: "Cramming undermines retention compared to spaced review."
Common Mistakes
Undermine implies gradual or indirect weakening, not sudden destruction. Use it for erosion of trust, arguments, or foundations.
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Part of Speech
verb
Difficulty
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