undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 
undertook
ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k
; undertaken
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən
; undertaking
; undertaken
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən
; undertaking
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
—often followed by to + a verb He undertook to raise his sister's children.
archaic
: to give surety or assume responsibility
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 five Inspiration Class frigates will form a key part of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, undertaking missions including interception, intelligence gathering, defense engagement, and humanitarian support.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
The king will then continue to the island of Bermuda to undertake his first royal visit as monarch to a British overseas territory.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The Hollywood writer, producer, and director—best known for his work on the hit films Seabiscuit, Big, and The Hunger Games—and his wife, Claudia Solti, subsequently undertook an extensive renovation, which included landscaping the private garden and adding a wellness and entertainment space.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026
The digital restoration was undertaken at Silver Salt Restoration.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for undertake
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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
The king will then continue to the island of Bermuda to undertake his first royal visit as monarch to a British overseas territory.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The Hollywood writer, producer, and director—best known for his work on the hit films Seabiscuit, Big, and The Hunger Games—and his wife, Claudia Solti, subsequently undertook an extensive renovation, which included landscaping the private garden and adding a wellness and entertainment space.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026
The digital restoration was undertaken at Silver Salt Restoration.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for undertake
Cite this Entry
“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk
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