as in downfall
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life
an intractable drug habit proved to be her sad undoing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in paralyzing
to deprive of courage or confidence
the sudden shriek undid the campers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfastening
to disengage the knotted parts of
undo a tangled shoelace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in bothering
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the mere mention of the home invasion still had the power to undo her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of undoing
Barbara Kates-Garnick, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
It was intended to be a disruptive innovation, but the complexity of NV1, and its lack of developer support, ultimately proved to be its undoing.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Plus, undoing a vital world economic order his predecessors built; invading the Federal Reserve’s independence; gerrymandering congressional districts and weaponizing his Justice Department against an ex-president and a New York attorney general who skinned his hide in court.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undoing
Noun
While appearing radical at the time, the revamping of scientific boards to include more industry representatives, the undoing of power plant rules and the lessening of enforcement hobbled but did not completely undo the agency.
—Barbara Kates-Garnick, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
It was intended to be a disruptive innovation, but the complexity of NV1, and its lack of developer support, ultimately proved to be its undoing.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Administration is now committed to undoing anticompetitive market distortions (ACMDs) at both the federal and state levels.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Plus, undoing a vital world economic order his predecessors built; invading the Federal Reserve’s independence; gerrymandering congressional districts and weaponizing his Justice Department against an ex-president and a New York attorney general who skinned his hide in court.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undoing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undoing
Noun
-
Not Hiring Or Managing Staff Effectively One of the reasons why having operating capital up front is so critical is that not hiring enough staff members or managing them ineffectively can be the biggest nail in a franchise's downfall.—
Seth Lederman,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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As long as the regime does not take that step, the lights will not go on — and the island’s gradual downfall will only accelerate.—
Andres Oppenheimer
September 17,
Miami Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Doctors spent several minutes resuscitating Luka before making the difficult decision to use a paralyzing agent to stop him from moving and potentially hurting himself.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Without these supports, free-will can feel utterly paralyzing.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There's other important bathroom etiquette travelers should keep in mind to avoid bothering flight attendants.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Lead with Gratitude and Grace Calling out someone for bothering you is always tricky.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The developing cauldron would trap Russian troops with few options beyond surrender or destruction.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Earth, meanwhile, has so far been unable to bring about its own destruction.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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With Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored vital goals last season, suffering from an injury and a distracting transfer saga amid interest from Newcastle, Pereira has had to work with three crucial players through the spine of his team either missing or below par.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Here, the challenge was capturing speed, altitude, and precision in a way that feels immediate without distracting from the story.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the 1997 film wasn't his first or last time scaring us on the big screen.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
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Unlike other security systems that passively report break-ins to customers or police, Sauron security agents are constantly monitoring to provide real-time incident responses such as watching and scaring away a would-be robber via their speaker system.—
Victoria Feng,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
First aid efforts should include moving the person to a cooler area, loosening clothing, and offering sips of water.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
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Far infrared heat is highly effective in loosening tight muscles and joints.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undoing. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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