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

Horizon Prep is preparing to open its new athletic complex, a $4 million undertaking funded entirely by donations from the church and school community in Rancho Santa Fe. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

The United States has also expected to lead the alliance because its involvement has been necessary for almost any serious military undertaking. —Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025

Wealthy nations can afford to build their own cloud infrastructure, but mid-sized companies in smaller economies simply don’t have the budget for that kind of broad undertaking. —Dahlia Mihyar, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Another commenter reminded that birth remains an extremely dangerous undertaking. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

Rhymes for undertaking

• merrymaking
• moneymaking
• overtaking
• papermaking
• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• making

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.