easy
The loud noise undercut her focus.
What does Undercut mean?
Undercut means to weaken or reduce something.
Dictionary definition
To undercut means to weaken, reduce, or make something less effective.
Example sentences
Undercut in a sentence
medium
Missing evidence can undercut an argument in an essay.
hard
The speaker's careless examples undercut the strength of an otherwise clear presentation.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice undercut in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Undercut
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does undercut mean in this entry?
Undercut can mean to weaken the effect or strength of something.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to undercut?
To undercut an idea or effort is to weaken it.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for undercut?
Strengthen means to make stronger, which contrasts with undercut.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Undercut
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · der · kut · strongest beat: un
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUndercut.
Partverb.
MeaningUndercut means to weaken or reduce something.
ExampleExample: The loud noise undercut her focus.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · der · kut
- Strongest beat
- un
- Ending
- kut
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on un.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Undercut
Antonyms
Opposite words
supportUse when something helps or strengthens an idea.
strengthenUse when something becomes stronger.
reinforceUse when adding support.
Synonym practice
Want to practice undercut synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "A missing example can undercut a strong argument," then compare close word choices. Practice undercut synonyms.
Word family
Undercut word family
Base word
cut
verb
undercut
To weaken or reduce something.
verb
undercuts
Weakens or reduces.
verb
undercutting
Weakening or reducing.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Undercut
Hint for students
Undercut means to weaken or reduce the strength of something. It is often used with arguments, plans, confidence, prices, or efforts.
Common mix-up
Undercut is not always about physically cutting. In reading and writing, it often means weakening an idea, claim, or result.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows undercut without using the word undercut. Then underline the clue words that show weakening, reducing, or making something less effective. Example: The missing facts made the report much less convincing. Clue words: missing facts, much less convincing Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something being weakened or made less effective?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Missing evidence can undercut an argument in an essay." Why does undercut fit better than support?
Learning activities
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