undoing

noun

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

Synonyms of undoing

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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.
Ultimately, the provisions meant to lock taxpayers in could be the wealth tax’s undoing. — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026 Nadella, in a nutshell, is saying that heavily relying on proprietary AI software could also be a company’s undoing. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 July 2026 This fantasy of the obedient wife becomes Agamemnon’s undoing. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026 Eric is the first of the trio to leave for good, but her eagerness might be her undoing—the weather might not yet be warm enough for a successful transit. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 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

Rhymes for undoing

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Browse Nearby Words

undogmatic
undoing
undomestic
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Cite this Entry

“Undoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undoing. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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
: reversal, annulment

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Nglish: Translation of undoing for Spanish Speakers

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