undermine
To gradually weaken or damage something, often secretly or indirectly.
Examples
In a meeting
“Inconsistent messaging will undermine the credibility of the entire campaign.”
Over coffee
“Staying up late every night undermines everything I do at the gym.”
Why this word
weaken
Undermine suggests gradual, often hidden damage to foundations or credibility, while weaken is more general and doesn't imply stealth or targeting foundations
sabotage
Undermine can be subtle and unintentional, while sabotage implies deliberate destructive action
damage
Undermine specifically targets the foundation or basis of something, while damage is general harm without focus on structural integrity
Usage tip
Implies indirect or gradual damage. You undermine trust, authority, efforts, or foundations. Always negative in intent or effect.
Etymology
English under + mine — literally 'to dig tunnels under a fortification to cause it to collapse'
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Related words
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
contingency
A backup plan for something that might happen
exacerbate
To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
volatile
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
jeopardize
To put something at risk of loss or harm
imperil
To put something at risk or in danger