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

For those who don’t know much about polling, securing this many respondents is a massive undertaking, one that is unlikely to make these results an outlier. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 June 2024

According to a representative, the company plans to expand its streaming library to more than 10,000 premium titles over the next few years, an ambitious undertaking that could make sticking with the service worthwhile. —PCMAG, 4 June 2024

But 2020 challenged that undertaking, and in part exposed what Airbnb really is, a business—not a family. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 3 June 2024

These principles must be implemented consistently in all undertakings, which is then reflected in the satisfaction of all our employees and the loyalty of our business partners. —Kansas City Star, 28 May 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.