Top 30 Slang For Undermine – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to subtly weakening or sabotaging someone’s efforts, having the right words can make all the difference. In this listicle, we’ve curated the top slang terms for “undermine” that will have you navigating social situations with finesse. Stay ahead of the game and learn how to spot when someone is trying to undercut you, or when you need to tread carefully in your interactions. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of the art of undermining!

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1. Sabotage

Sabotage refers to the act of intentionally disrupting or damaging something, often with the goal of undermining a person or organization. It involves secretive and covert actions to hinder or prevent the success of someone or something.

For example, “He sabotaged his coworker’s chances of getting a promotion by spreading false rumors.”
In a political context, one might say, “The opposition party is trying to sabotage the government’s plans.”
A disgruntled employee might sabotage their workplace by tampering with equipment or stealing important files.

2. Backstab

To backstab someone means to betray them, often in a sneaky or deceitful manner. It involves undermining a person’s trust or confidence by turning against them when they least expect it.

For instance, “She backstabbed her best friend by revealing her secrets to everyone.”
In a game of strategy, a player might say, “I’m going to backstab my opponent and take control of the game.”
A coworker might warn another, “Be careful, he’s known for backstabbing his colleagues.”

3. Subvert

Subvert means to undermine or weaken something, particularly an established authority or system. It involves challenging or overthrowing the existing order in a secretive or indirect way.

For example, “The group planned to subvert the government’s control by spreading dissent among the citizens.”
In a social context, one might say, “The artist’s work subverts traditional gender roles and expectations.”
A critic might argue, “The media’s biased reporting is subverting public trust in journalism.”

4. Undercut

Undercutting refers to the act of offering a lower price or value in order to undermine competitors or devalue something. It involves intentionally providing a cheaper alternative or reducing the perceived worth of a product or service.

For instance, “The company undercut its competitors by offering the same product at a significantly lower price.”
In a negotiation, one might say, “He tried to undercut the seller by offering to pay less than the asking price.”
A customer might complain, “The constant sales and discounts are undercutting the quality of the products.”

5. Counteract

Counteract means to take action to neutralize or oppose the effects or influence of something. It involves actively working against or preventing the success of a particular action or idea.

For example, “She took medication to counteract the side effects of her treatment.”
In a political context, one might say, “The opposition party proposed a bill to counteract the government’s policies.”
A doctor might advise, “To counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to engage in regular exercise.”

6. Discredit

To discredit someone is to undermine their reputation or credibility. It involves casting doubt on their character or the validity of their claims or actions.

For example, a politician might try to discredit their opponent by spreading rumors or false information about them.
In a debate, one participant might say, “Your argument lacks evidence and is easily discredited.”
A journalist might write an article exposing the flaws in a popular theory, effectively discrediting it.

7. Slander

Slander involves spreading false information or making damaging statements about someone with the intention of harming their reputation.

For instance, someone might slander a celebrity by spreading rumors about their personal life.
In a legal context, a person might file a slander lawsuit if false statements have caused them harm.
A person defending themselves against slander might say, “These accusations are baseless and purely slanderous.”

8. Belittle

Belittling someone is to undermine their worth or importance by making them feel small or insignificant.

For example, a boss might belittle an employee by constantly criticizing their work and making them feel inadequate.
In a group setting, someone might belittle another person’s opinion by dismissing it as irrelevant.
A person who has been belittled might say, “I won’t let anyone belittle me or make me feel inferior.”

9. Diminish

To diminish something is to make it less significant, important, or valuable.

For instance, a manager might diminish an employee’s role by assigning them menial tasks instead of challenging projects.
In a relationship, one person might diminish their partner’s achievements or goals, causing them to feel less accomplished.
A person reflecting on their own self-worth might say, “I refuse to let anyone diminish my value or worth.”

10. Thwart

To thwart someone is to actively hinder or obstruct their efforts to achieve something.

For example, a competitor might try to thwart a business’s success by engaging in unfair practices.
In a game or competition, one player might thwart another’s strategy by making unexpected moves.
A person determined to overcome obstacles might say, “I won’t let anything thwart my dreams and aspirations.”

11. Demean

To demean someone is to belittle or degrade them, often by insulting their character or abilities.

For example, “She constantly demeans her coworkers, making them feel inadequate.”
In a discussion about bullying, someone might say, “Verbal abuse can demean a person and damage their self-esteem.”
A person might warn, “Don’t let anyone demean you or make you feel small.”

12. Foil

To foil someone is to sabotage their plans or efforts, preventing them from achieving their desired outcome.

For instance, “The spy managed to foil the enemy’s plot.”
In a discussion about competition, someone might say, “I won’t let anyone foil my chances of success.”
A person might advise, “Be prepared for unexpected obstacles that could foil your plans.”

13. Weaken

To weaken someone or something is to undermine their strength, power, or effectiveness.

For example, “The constant criticism weakened her confidence.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Lack of trust can weaken the foundation of a partnership.”
A person might caution, “Don’t let negative influences weaken your resolve.”

14. Disempower

To disempower someone is to strip them of their power, authority, or influence.

For instance, “The dictator sought to disempower his political opponents.”
In a discussion about social justice, someone might say, “Systems of oppression often disempower marginalized communities.”
A person might argue, “Education is key in empowering individuals and preventing them from being disempowered.”

15. Disparage

To disparage someone or something is to criticize or speak negatively about them, often with the intention of undermining their reputation or value.

For example, “He was constantly disparaging his coworkers, making them feel worthless.”
In a discussion about body image, someone might say, “We need to stop disparaging people based on their appearance.”
A person might caution, “Be mindful of the words you use, as they can disparage others and cause harm.”

16. Oppose

To actively disagree or resist something or someone.

For example, “I oppose the new policy because I believe it will have negative consequences.”
In a political debate, one might say, “I strongly oppose my opponent’s stance on healthcare.”
A person might express their opposition by stating, “I will do everything I can to oppose this unjust law.”

17. Cripple

To severely weaken or impair someone or something.

For instance, “The economic crisis crippled many small businesses.”
In a sports context, one might say, “A knee injury can cripple a professional athlete’s career.”
A person might warn, “Be careful with your words, they have the power to cripple someone’s confidence.”

18. Harm

To cause damage or injury to someone or something.

For example, “Exposure to the sun can harm your skin.”
In a discussion about the environment, one might say, “Pollution harms our planet and its inhabitants.”
A person might express concern by stating, “I hope this decision doesn’t harm our relationship.”

19. Impair

To diminish or reduce the quality, strength, or function of something.

For instance, “Lack of sleep can impair your ability to concentrate.”
In a medical context, one might say, “A stroke can impair a person’s speech and motor skills.”
A person might caution, “Drinking alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination.”

20. Tarnish

To damage or diminish the reputation or image of someone or something.

For example, “A scandal can tarnish a politician’s career.”
In a discussion about a company’s actions, one might say, “Their unethical behavior tarnished their brand.”
A person might express disappointment by stating, “This incident has tarnished my trust in them.”

21. Malign

To malign someone is to speak ill of them or spread negative rumors about them, with the intention of damaging their reputation or undermining their credibility.

For example, a person might say, “He’s always maligning his coworkers behind their backs.”
In a political context, one might accuse a candidate of maligning their opponent in order to gain an advantage.
A gossip magazine might publish an article maligning a celebrity’s personal life to attract readers.

22. Degrade

To degrade someone or something is to diminish their value or quality, often through negative actions or treatment.

For instance, a person might say, “She constantly degrades her employees, which creates a toxic work environment.”
In a relationship, one might feel degraded by their partner’s constant criticism or belittlement.
A product reviewer might state, “The cheap materials used in this product degrade its overall quality.”

23. Invalidate

To invalidate something is to make it no longer valid or effective, often by undermining its legitimacy or credibility.

For example, a lawyer might try to invalidate a witness’s testimony by proving their bias or lack of credibility.
In a debate, one might invalidate their opponent’s argument by pointing out logical fallacies or inconsistencies.
A person might invalidate another’s feelings by dismissing them as unimportant or irrational.

24. Undermine

To undermine someone or something is to weaken or sabotage them, often by secretly working against their goals or interests.

For instance, a colleague might undermine a coworker’s project by spreading false information or withholding crucial resources.
In a relationship, one partner might undermine the other’s self-confidence through constant criticism or manipulation.
A political rival might undermine a candidate’s campaign by leaking damaging information or spreading rumors.

25. Betray

To betray someone is to turn against them, often by breaking their trust or loyalty.

For example, a friend might betray another by spreading their secrets or gossiping about them behind their back.
In a business setting, a coworker might betray their team by stealing credit for their work or leaking confidential information.
A person might feel betrayed by their romantic partner if they cheat or lie to them.

26. Deceive

To deceive means to intentionally trick or mislead someone in order to gain an advantage or undermine their trust.

For example, “He deceived his business partner by secretly taking money from the company.”
In a political context, one might say, “The candidate deceived voters by making false promises.”
A person discussing a scam might warn, “Be careful not to fall for deceptive emails asking for personal information.”

27. Conspire

To conspire means to secretly plan or plot with others to do something harmful, illegal, or deceitful. It often involves working together to undermine a person, organization, or system.

For instance, “The group conspired to overthrow the government.”
In a crime novel, a character might say, “The suspects conspired to commit the perfect heist.”
A person discussing a conspiracy theory might argue, “They believe powerful individuals are conspiring to control the world.”

28. Sow discord

To sow discord means to intentionally create conflict, disagreement, or tension among people or groups. It is a way to undermine unity or cooperation.

For example, “The agent sowed discord among the members of the organization.”
In a social media discussion, someone might accuse another of trying to sow discord by spreading false information.
A person discussing political tactics might say, “Divisive rhetoric is often used to sow discord and weaken opposition.”

29. Delegitimize

To delegitimize means to undermine or weaken the credibility, authority, or legitimacy of someone or something. It is a way to diminish their power or influence.

For instance, “The article sought to delegitimize the claims made by the opposition.”
In a debate, one might accuse their opponent of trying to delegitimize their arguments.
A person discussing a controversial figure might argue, “Attempts to delegitimize their authority only increase their support among certain groups.”

30. Subdue

To subdue means to suppress, overcome, or bring under control. It can be used in the context of undermining someone’s power or influence by reducing their impact or ability to act.

For example, “The dictator used violence to subdue opposition.”
In a discussion about protests, one might say, “The police used force to subdue the demonstrators.”
A person discussing a hostile takeover might argue, “The company tried to subdue its competitors by acquiring them.”