Definition

1. Intransitive Verb:
   • To weaken, to falter, to give ground: To become significantly weaker, less firm, or less stable, often under pressure, to the point of being in a precarious or dangerous state. It describes a loss of strength, resolve, or structural integrity.
   • To be on the verge of collapse/failure: To be in a weakened state suggesting imminent breakdown or defeat.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive Verb:
  • Thế địch đã núng. (The enemy's position weakened. / The enemy gave ground.)
  • Khúc đê này có vẻ sắp núng rồi. (This section of the dyke looks like it's about to give way.)
  • Tinh thần của đội bóng đã núng sau bàn thua. (The team's morale faltered after the conceded goal.)

Advanced Usage

• "núng thế": to lose one's advantageous position or footing.
  • Đối thủ đang dần núng thế trong cuộc tranh luận. (The opponent is gradually losing ground in the debate.)
• Describing a state of being shaken or destabilized, often used for abstract concepts like morale (), resolve (), or an argument ().

Variants and Related Words

• nung núng (reduplicative form, attenuated meaning): To begin to weaken, to show slight signs of faltering or giving way. It indicates the initial, less severe stage of weakening.
  • Lòng tin của anh ấy bắt đầu nung núng. (His faith began to waver slightly.)
• núng nính: A different, onomatopoeic adjective describing something soft and wobbly (like jelly), not to be confused with núng.

Synonyms

• Suy yếu: to weaken, to decline.
• Chao đảo: to totter, to be unsteady/shaky (often figuratively).
• Náo động: to be shaken, to be in turmoil (for morale/spirit).

Antonyms

• Vững vàng: firm, steady, strong.
• Ổn định: stable.
• Cứng rắn: rigid, firm, resolute.

Notes on Usage

• núng typically describes a negative, undesirable state of becoming weak or unstable. It often implies a consequence of external pressure or internal flaw.
• It is commonly used in contexts of conflict (military, sports, debate), structural integrity, and psychology (morale, determination).
• The word carries a connotation of a critical or dangerous level of weakness, not just a minor setback.

1. Give (lose) ground, become weaker, weaken
   • Thế địch đã núng
     The enemy gave ground
   • nung núng (láy, ý giảm)
     To begin to lose ground, to give a little