undoing

[uhn-doo-ing]

noun

1. the reversing of what has been done; annulling.

   Synonyms: negation, reversal

2. a bringing to destruction, ruin, or disaster.

3. a cause of destruction or ruin.

4. the act of unfastening or loosing.

5. Psychiatry.,  an unconscious defense mechanism through which an attempt is made to reverse a psychologically unacceptable act by doing its opposite, usually repetitiously, in order to relieve anxiety.

undoing

/ ʌnˈduːɪŋ /

noun

1. ruin; downfall

2. the cause of downfall

   drink was his undoing

Other Word Forms

• self-undoing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undoing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; undo, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But in an economy where women are responsible for half the labor force, and have been for 25 years, the solution isn’t as simple as undoing all of that.

From Salon

All of this — the service cuts, the shuttered offices, the slow undoing of rural infrastructure — is happening in the background of an administration that claims to be restoring the health of the American food system.

From Salon

After Essayli was appointed, three law enforcement sources said he became focused on undoing the felony conviction.

From Los Angeles Times

The state has sued the administration more than 30 times, including over funding cuts, voting restrictions and the undoing of birthright citizenship.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead a tricky pitch, smart bowling from an Australian attack long in the tooth, and the odd daft shot proved to be West Indies' undoing.

From BBC

Related Words

• downfall 
• miscalculation www.thesaurus.com