undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent  ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ 

-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

; undergoes

ˌən-dər-ˈgōz

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms of undergo

• endure
• experience
• have
• see

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation.

some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college

Recent Examples on the Web

De Zerbi was forced to play ‘keeper Antonin Kinsky in his first match after Vicario underwent hernia surgery at the start of the March international break. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 27 May 2026

In his previous presidential physicals, Trump has undergone assessments including blood tests and cognitive, cardiac, pulmonary, and dermatologic exams. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2026

The Knicks, longtime underdogs who have undergone quite the transformation in recent years, have proven their talent — but what are the basketball shoes helping to facilitate their on-court skills? —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

However, the extended play caused the tendon to detach from the bone, forcing him to undergo corrective surgery. —CBS News, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undergo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent

-ˈwent

; undergone -ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ 

1

: endure sense 2

undergo an operation

2

: to pass through : experience

undergoing a change