undertaking

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only

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

undertaking

2 of 2

present participle of undertake

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

Noun

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking.

He advised us against such a risky undertaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But that undertaking, primarily fueled by private dollars, has been waylaid due to getting a needed booster flight-qualified. — Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Sullivan said removing a deliberating juror is a sensitive undertaking. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Overhauling a franchise that hasn’t made the postseason since 2014, and whose processes have largely been seen as an outlier, will be a massive undertaking. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Still to come is Concourse A, a hefty undertaking which could add up to 10 new gates. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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.