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

NBCUniversal is undertaking a major reorganization of its TV business. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025

Inspired by the flair of the disco era, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is undertaking a massive year-long renovation that will touch all of the hotel’s 4,212 rooms and suites within its main tower. —Ryan Slattery, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025

In Detroit Johnson undertook a similar developmental role with Jared Goff, who became one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL working in Johnson’s system. —Dianna Russini, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025

Los Angeles officials emphasized the importance of coordination with federal officials as the city undertakes one of the largest disaster recovery efforts in its history. —Tony Barboza, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025

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