undermine

//ˌʌndərˈmaɪn//
C1Frequency Level 8Neutral
Visual representation of undermine

Verb

undermineInfinitive
underminePresent tense
underminedPast tense
underminedPast participle
underminingPresent participle
underminesThird-person singular
1

To weaken or damage something gradually, especially someone's confidence, authority, or position.

The scandal undermined the politician's credibility.

2

To dig or excavate beneath something, especially to make it collapse or become unstable.

The river had undermined the bridge's foundation.