undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

 sense 1b is  only ˈən-dər-ˌtā-

1

a

: the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken : enterprise

3

: pledge, guarantee

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking.

He advised us against such a risky undertaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Employment Agency The definition of an employment agency has been refined to include any entity undertaking, for compensation, services to identify, screen, and procure job applicants or employees. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

This was a huge undertaking for both of our companies. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Oct. 2024

The elaborate amenities found on many modern cruise ships can still be a big undertaking, even for expert shipbuilders. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024

Every episode of the Spanish-language Apple TV series Midnight Family is a thrilling undertaking into Mexico City’s unique and vivid nightlife, where anything and everything can happen. —Nicole Froio, refinery29.com, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

Kids Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ;

 sense 1b is  ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ,

 only 

1

a

: the act of a person who undertakes something

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken

Legal Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing

1

: a promise or pledge especially required by law

2

: something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security especially in a court

Note: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.