undermining
adj.adj. describing something that slowly makes someone or something else weaker or less confident.
adj. characterised by the gradual weakening or subversion of the effectiveness, power, or ability of someone or something. Often used as a participial adjective to describe actions or behaviors that damage authority or stability.
His constant criticism had an undermining effect on the team.
The manager's habit of ignoring his staff's suggestions was undermining the morale of the entire office.
The spread of misinformation proved to be an undermining force in the democratic process, eroding public trust in established institutions and factual reporting.
Often appears before nouns like 'effect', 'influence', or 'tactic' to describe a process of gradual damage.
Last updated May 6, 2026