1. Weakening or damaging something gradually:
* Example: "The constant criticism from her boss was undermining her confidence."
* This meaning implies a slow, insidious process of erosion or decay.
2. Secretly working to weaken someone or something:
* Example: "He was undermining his own company by leaking confidential information to competitors."
* This meaning emphasizes the hidden and malicious nature of the action.
3. To dig beneath something (literally):
* Example: "The miners undermined the mountain to extract the ore."
* This is the literal meaning, referring to the process of digging tunnels beneath the surface.
Here are some synonyms for undermining:
* Sabotage
* Weaken
* Destabilize
* Sap
* Subvert
* Undercut
In general, undermining is a negative act that weakens or destroys something. It can be done intentionally or unintentionally, but it always has a harmful effect.