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

In some quarters, preservation is thought of as an antiquarian undertaking, a sentimental allegiance to structures that have ceased to function and so have relinquished their right to exist. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024

The project would, however, also become an expensive, multi-year process that was a huge undertaking in an era when animation was still done by hand and resulted in a film that was only seen in full by a select few. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 12 Dec. 2024

So, when Duke bought Cordis, fixing up Cordis was a huge undertaking. —Harvard Business Review, 10 Dec. 2024

For many families, this can be a significant undertaking, which is why an experienced multifamily office is so critical. —Sharon Olson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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.