Translation guide
The English verb "undermine" has several distinct meanings, from physically digging under something to weakening authority or confidence. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
To gradually make something less effective, powerful, or successful, often in an indirect or subtle way.
A versatile verb meaning to harm, damage, or impair something abstract like trust, health, or reputation. Often used in compound verbs (e.g., 傷つけ損なう).
His actions undermined the team's trust.
Transitive verb meaning to weaken or lessen. Commonly used for influence, power, or resolve.
The scandal undermined his authority.
Literally 'to eat into' or 'to erode'. Used figuratively for something that gradually weakens or destroys from within, like corruption or doubt.
Corruption is undermining trust in the government.
To shake or destabilize something firmly established, like confidence, a system, or a foundation.
The scandal undermined the company's foundation.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to pull someone's leg', i.e., to hinder or sabotage someone's efforts, often used in team or workplace contexts.
He's always undermining his colleagues.
To physically dig or wear away the ground beneath something, causing it to collapse or become unstable.
To dig and cause to collapse; used for undermining a structure or cliff.
The waves undermined the cliff.
To erode; often used for natural forces like water or wind wearing away land.
Literally 'to dig underneath'. A straightforward description, but less idiomatic than 掘り崩す.
To make someone feel less confident, valued, or capable, often through criticism or subtle actions.
Do not use 下を掘る or similar literal digging expressions for abstract meanings like 'undermine trust'. Use 損なう or 弱める instead.
undermine trust
損なう implies harming or impairing the quality of something, while 弱める focuses on reducing strength or power. 損なう is often used for abstract nouns like 信頼 (trust) or 健康 (health), whereas 弱める is common with 影響力 (influence) or 勢い (momentum).
The river's flow is undermining the embankment.
The dog undermined the fence by digging a hole.
The boss's indifference undermined the employees' motivation.