undoing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌnˈduːɪŋ/
KK: /ʌnˈduːɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of causing something to fail or be ruined; it can also mean reversing or canceling something that has been done.
Example
His greed was his undoing, leading to his downfall.
Conversation
I think his obsession with work is his biggest undoing.
Yeah, it seems like he’s missing out on life’s little moments.
Exactly! It’s like he’s racing towards something that might not even matter.
I hope he realizes it before it’s too late.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
downfall
ruin
cancellation
Antonyms
success
achievement
accomplishment
verb
Definition
To reverse or cancel the effects of something that has been done.
Example
She is undoing the changes she made to the document.
Tense Forms
Past: undid
Past Participle: undone
Conversation
I accidentally spilled coffee on my notes last night.
Oh no! Is there any way of undoing the damage?
I’m not sure, but I hope I can fix them somehow.
Root Explanation
Undoing → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "doing" (from Old English "don", meaning to perform or act). The word "undoing" refers to the act of reversing or negating a previous action or performance.
Memory Tip
Think of 'un-' meaning not or opposite, and 'doing' meaning to perform an action. This helps you remember that 'undoing' means to reverse an action.
Visually Confused Words
unadoring
unowing
undying
undig
doing
unendowing
undrooping
undergoing