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

Berner admitted that she's dabbled in some of the trends, including light therapy, but hasn't undergone a laser treatment yet. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Their findings were published Thursday as a preprint on bioRxiv, meaning the research has not yet undergone peer review. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

But the manufacturer has undergone several rebranding and acquisitions in the past few years. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

Reeves underwent labrum surgery in April and won’t play full-contact in practice until likely October, per KU coach Bill Self. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 July 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