Undermine me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Undermine me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone feels that another person is trying to weaken their position, authority, or confidence. Example: "I can't believe you would try to undermine me in front of the team during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I told him exactly what he was doing to undermine me and the project.

Harvard Business Review

"It is an honour to have Bild trying to undermine me.

The Guardian

On German tabloid Bild: It is an honour to have Bild trying to undermine me.

The Guardian

"It's such a lazy way for journalists to undermine me," she says.

The Guardian

But I think I deserve that right and there's people trying to undermine me.

The Guardian - Sport

Back then, you could understand the White House trying to undermine me, but in 2008?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Part of me, like every Indigenous person I know and like the overwhelming majority of prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, wants to ignore the pronouncements Abbott makes in the "let's-give-him-something-to-do-with-blackfellas-just-to-stop-him-from-undermining-me-too"–role that accidental PM Scott Morrison afforded him.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You are undermining me, Chas.

The New Yorker

"They have turned around and undermined me".

The New York Times

The person is undermining me, therefore, it is a reality.

Harvard Business Review

"They whispered about us and they undermined me," says Jane.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undermine me" when you want to express that someone is actively trying to weaken your position, authority, or confidence, either directly or indirectly.

Common error

While "undermine me" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly dramatic in very casual conversations. Consider using milder alternatives like "disagree with me" or "not support me" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine me" functions as a verb phrase where "undermine" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("me"). It describes an action aimed at weakening someone's position or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undermine me" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to express the feeling of being weakened or sabotaged by someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, it's more frequently found in news, formal business settings, and opinion pieces, suggesting a neutral to professional register. For more casual scenarios, consider using softer alternatives. When using the expression remember that several sources indicate that some signs that someone is trying to "undermine" you include subtle criticisms or spreading rumors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undercut my authority

Implies weakening the effect, value or success of one's command or control.

Weaken my position

Focuses on reducing one's power or influence.

Sabotage my efforts

Emphasizes intentional disruption or damage to one's goals.

Destabilize my authority

Highlights the act of making one's leadership less secure.

Discredit my reputation

Highlights an action aimed at making the user look bad or unreliable.

Subvert my influence

Implies a more subtle and insidious undermining of one's power.

Erode my credibility

Focuses on damaging one's reputation or trustworthiness.

Compromise my standing

Focuses on harming one's reputation or status.

Challenge my leadership

Suggests a direct confrontation or questioning of one's authority.

Invalidate my role

Highlights an action aimed at making the user position irrelevant.

FAQs

What does it mean to "undermine" someone?

To "undermine" someone means to weaken their position, authority, or effectiveness, often in a subtle or indirect way. It can involve actions or words that erode their confidence or influence.

What are some alternative phrases for "undermine me"?

You can use alternatives like "sabotage my efforts", "weaken my position", or "discredit my reputation" depending on the specific context.

How can I tell if someone is trying to "undermine me"?

Signs that someone is trying to "undermine" you include subtle criticisms, spreading rumors, taking credit for your work, or consistently disagreeing with your ideas in a way that diminishes your contributions.

In what kind of situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "undermine me"?

The phrase "undermine me" is appropriate in situations where you perceive a deliberate attempt to weaken your standing or authority, such as in professional disputes, political conflicts, or personal relationships where trust is being eroded.