undermined crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "undermined" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and understand the nuances of the word.
Solutions for "undermined crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SAPPED: Drained of strength or vitality, often in a gradual, insidious way.
ERODED: Gradually worn away or destroyed, typically referring to confidence, trust, or a physical structure.
7 Letters
DAMAGED: Caused physical or functional harm to something, impairing its value or usefulness.
8 Letters
WEAKENED: Made less strong, powerful, or effective, reducing its capacity or resistance.
9 Letters
SUBVERTED: Overthrown or undermined the power and authority of an established system or institution.
11 Letters
COMPROMISED: Made vulnerable to danger or discredit, often by an unwise action or revelation.
More About "undermined crossword"
"Undermined" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it means to dig or excavate beneath something, like a building's foundation, to weaken it. Figuratively, and more commonly in puzzles, it refers to a subtle or gradual weakening of something abstract, such as confidence, authority, morale, or a plan.
When you see "undermined" as a clue, consider its synonyms related to weakening, impairing, or sabotaging. The exact answer will depend heavily on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you might already have filled in. This clue often requires you to think beyond the most obvious dictionary definition and consider contextual nuances.
The challenge of "undermined" lies in its ability to evoke a range of actions, from covert attacks to slow, steady erosion. Paying attention to the tone and other clues in the puzzle can help narrow down whether the answer leans towards a physical act of destruction or a more abstract form of sabotage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Synonym Brainstorming: For clues like "undermined," always start by listing as many synonyms as you can think of. Words like 'weakened', 'sapped', 'eroded', 'sabotaged', 'damaged', and 'compromised' are great starting points.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply a slow process or a sudden act? A literal digging or a metaphorical attack? The subtle differences in meaning among synonyms can guide you to the correct answer.
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, match your brainstormed synonyms to the available letter count. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities and narrow down your choices.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve the entire clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They provide concrete constraints that dramatically reduce the number of potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'undermined' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'undermined' usually refers to actions that weaken, damage, or sabotage something, often subtly or gradually. It can imply a literal digging beneath something or a figurative eroding of support, authority, or confidence.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for words meaning 'undermined'?
Words related to 'undermined' might not have extremely common specific prefixes or suffixes, but they often describe a process of lessening or destruction. Examples include 'de-' (as in 'degrade'), or words ending in '-ed' as past tense verbs like 'weakened' or 'eroded'.
How can I find related clues if I'm stuck on 'undermined'?
If 'undermined' is giving you trouble, think of synonyms like 'weakened,' 'eroded,' 'sapped,' 'sabotaged,' or 'subverted.' Also, consider antonyms if the clue implies the opposite. Checking the letter count and any already filled-in letters will also narrow down possibilities.