undermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "undermined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was damaged or weakened, either figuratively or literally. Example sentence: My confidence in my ability to succeed was undermined by the harsh criticism from my boss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Politics

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By giving the prize to the EU, the Nobel committee has undermined the excellent work of the other deserving winners of this prize.

The Guardian

"They have attacked the most vulnerable in society, slashed the budget for public services and undermined the credibility of these institutions.

The Guardian

"Too often in the past our rhetoric undermined that positive relationship with business, and with the creation of jobs and wealth for the future.

The Guardian

cleveland.cbslocal.com/2012/10/11/pil… twitter.com/BuzzFeedAndrew… Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.30pm BST23 30 Obama showing 3-to-1 lead among Latino voters, Pew finds But will President Obama's lead among Latino voters be undermined by low turnout?

The Guardian

According to the sculptor, Blind Light, as the installation was called, undermined what architecture ought to do: "Architecture is supposed to be the location of security and certainty about where you are.

The Guardian - Arts

The financial crisis and the great recession, indeed depression, undermined many of the assumptions of bourgeois triumphalism.

The Guardian

Lady Warsi, who resigned from the government in August over Gaza, delivered a blistering critique last month of the approach towards Britain's Muslims, warning that failure to engage properly with communities across the UK has created a climate of suspicion and undermined the fight against extremism.

The Guardian

Gavrielatos said the program undermined the secular traditions of state schools, adding the students would be better served by "expert trained school counsellors, psychologists and welfare officers".

The Guardian

If the new government does not push the agenda for women's rights, it will have undermined the hopes of those who fought and died for a better Egypt.

The Guardian

But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job.

The Guardian - Film

The Dome was undermined by the unforgivably crass and soulless Millennium Experience exhibition of 2000; it was many years before it redeemed itself as today's O2 music venue.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermined", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being weakened or damaged, and the cause of the weakening. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "undermined" in overly abstract or vague situations where a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "The project was undermined by unforeseen circumstances", consider specifying how it was affected, such as "The project's budget was depleted by unforeseen circumstances."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "undermined" is as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb "undermine". It typically functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the action of weakening or damaging something, whether literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermined" is a verb used to describe the action of weakening or damaging something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, commonly appearing in news, business, and sports contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. While "undermined" is frequently used, remember to ensure context provides clarity and avoid overly abstract uses. Alternatives such as "weakened", "compromised", or "damaged" offer nuanced options depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Weakened

Implies a reduction in strength or effectiveness.

Compromised

Suggests a loss of integrity or quality.

Damaged

Indicates physical or non-physical harm.

Eroded

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction.

Subverted

Suggests an attempt to overthrow or corrupt.

Impaired

Indicates a reduced ability or function.

Jeopardized

Suggests a risk of failure or harm.

Crippled

Implies severe damage or impairment.

Invalidated

Suggests making something void or without value.

Debilitated

Implies a weakening or enfeeblement.

FAQs

How can I use "undermined" in a sentence?

You can use "undermined" to describe something that has been weakened or damaged. For example, "The constant criticism "undermined" his confidence."

What can I say instead of "undermined"?

You can use alternatives like "weakened", "compromised", or "damaged" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "undermined" or "eroded"?

Both "undermined" and "eroded" can suggest a gradual weakening, but "eroded" often implies a more gradual and progressive process, while ""undermined"" can refer to a more immediate or intentional weakening.

What's the difference between "undermined" and "subverted"?

"Undermined" suggests a weakening or weakening, while "subverted" implies an attempt to overthrow or corrupt something, often in a secretive or underhanded way.