C1verbformalacademicsociety
US/ˌʌn.dərˈmaɪn/
UK/ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/
to make something or someone gradually weaker or less effective
In context
Cheating in exams undermines trust in the whole education system.
Constant criticism from parents can undermine a child's confidence.
Fake news is undermining public support for vaccination.
Words that go with undermine
verb + noun
- undermine confidenceFrequent changes to the exam undermine confidence among students.
- undermine trustBroken promises undermine trust in politicians.
- undermine the authorityParents should not undermine the authority of teachers.
- undermine effortsIllegal logging undermines efforts to protect the forest.
adverb + verb
- seriously undermineCorruption can seriously undermine economic growth.