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

Public charter schools are joint undertakings with the state and must accept the rights and responsibilities that come with that, the group told the Supreme Court, The case will probably be argued in the spring with a decision expected by summer. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

And this is a big undertaking, particularly a network drama. —H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

It’s been a huge undertaking from our brilliant team of writers, data experts, editors, designers and engineers, so thank you to everyone involved. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Trial and Error Sea Level offers a fascinating account of how science is often a piecemeal undertaking of trial and error. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

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.