undoing

noun

un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce undoing (audio)
1
: an act of loosening : unfastening
2
: ruin
also : a cause of ruin
greed was to prove his undoing
3

Examples of undoing in a Sentence

My quick temper was my undoing. His quick temper helped lead to his undoing. The incident resulted in her undoing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The problem for Visa’s would-be assailants is that allegedly damning stories like this one are the undoing of the case itself. John Tamny, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Biden’s loose tongue eventually proved his undoing. Philip Elliott, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024 Last season’s shoulder injury was a tremendous setback for the young gunslinger, and at this point nobody knows if that setback will ultimately be his undoing. Jesse Reed, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 In many ways, the pandemic was a crucial catalyst of the scene, and the end of the lockdown was its undoing. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for undoing 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undoing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near undoing

Cite this Entry

“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undoing. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

undoing

noun
un·​do·​ing ˌən-ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce undoing (audio)
1
: an act or instance of unfastening
2
a
: ruin entry 1 sense 1
parental neglect helped lead to their undoing
b
: a cause of ruin
my quick temper was my undoing
3

More from Merriam-Webster on undoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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