undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

transitive verb

1

: to take upon oneself : set about : attempt

undertake a task

undertake to learn to swim

2

: to put oneself under obligation to perform

also : to accept as a charge or responsibility

the lawyer who undertook the case

3

: guarantee, promise

readily undertook that the letter should be securely conveyed

—Sir Walter Scott

intransitive verb

archaic : to give surety or assume responsibility

Synonyms

• accept
• assume
• bear
• shoulder
• take over

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search.

The researchers undertook a series of studies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The monarch continued to work behind the scenes during the interim period, undertaking state paperwork and hosting small audiences. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

Santa Monica undertook its own pier in about 1908, 1,710 feet long, built not of wood but of modern concrete. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024

Trump appealed to the Supreme Court, which heard arguments in April over whether a former president enjoys presidential immunity for allegedly official acts undertaken while in the White House. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 31 May 2024

To secure a better future for these animals and all wildlife, the Oregon Zoo undertakes long- and short-term research projects and works to recover native species on the brink of extinction. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook -ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken -ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

1

: to take upon oneself as a task : enter upon

undertake a journey

2

: to take on as a duty : agree, contract

undertake to deliver a package