undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent  ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn 

 also  -ˈgän

; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ 

-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms

• endure
• experience
• feel
• have
• know
• pass
• see
• suffer
• sustain
• taste
• witness

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation.

some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college

Recent Examples on the Web

McKinsey found that 82% of leaders say their organizations have had to undergo significant strategic or operational changes in the last two years to stay competitive. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Ronin spent nearly a year undergoing meticulous training, using pureed avocados and bananas as a reward, in Tanzania before being sent to Cambodia in 2021. —Johnny Dodd, People.com, 3 May 2025

The midfielder is set to undergo a scan on the issue. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 May 2025

Still, Walters suspects that seeds do accrue tiny physical and chemical changes over time; molecules within their cells undergo tiny rearrangements and become less able to power vital processes like energy production and protein-making. —Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undergo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent

-ˈwent

; undergone -ˈgȯn 

 also  -ˈgän

; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ 

1

: endure sense 2

undergo an operation

2

: to pass through : experience

undergoing a change