undermining

Definitions

The act of lessening the effectiveness, power, or ability of someone or something, especially gradually or insidiously.

The process of digging or excavating beneath a building or fortification to make it collapse.

Examples

His constant criticism is undermining the team's confidence.

The secret leaks were undermining the credibility of the entire organization.

She felt that his subtle comments were undermining her authority in the workplace.

Synonyms

weakening sabotaging eroding subverting crippling compromising impairing

Antonyms

strengthening supporting bolstering fortifying reinforcing buttressing enhancing