undermines
v.v. to make something weaker or less effective, often in a slow or secret way. You use this when someone's actions damage a plan, a rule, or someone's authority.
v. to erode the base or foundation of something; to weaken or damage a position, authority, or system by degrees. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Constant criticism undermines her confidence.
The leaked documents could undermines the government's position during the upcoming trade negotiations.
While the policy was intended to foster innovation, the lack of clear funding guidelines ultimately undermines the very research it was designed to support.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in the third-person singular or as a present participle.
His actions undermines the teamHis actions undermine the teamLearners often forget to match the verb ending with the subject; 'undermines' is specifically the third-person singular form.