undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

transitive verb

1

: to take upon oneself : set about : attempt

undertake a task

undertake to learn to swim

2

: to put oneself under obligation to perform

also : to accept as a charge or responsibility

the lawyer who undertook the case

—often followed by to + a verb

He undertook to raise his sister's children.

3

: guarantee, promise

… readily undertook that the letter should be securely conveyed …

—Sir Walter Scott

intransitive verb

archaic : to give surety or assume responsibility

Synonyms of undertake

• accept
• assume
• shoulder

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search.

The researchers undertook a series of studies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The generous basket capacity also complements the K70's extended runtime, allowing the cleaner to undertake longer sessions without requiring frequent attention to its debris container. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

The unnamed Marine was undertaking training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, the statement said. — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 4 Nov. 2026

Sánchez argued that authorities must undertake an awareness campaign for parents and provide training for teachers to achieve the effective implementation of the regulation. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

The comprehensive business review was initiated in May and was undertaken with independent advisers Deloitte and Barclay & Co, along with legal advice from Chapman Tripp. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for undertake

• overtake
• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

Kids Definition

undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook -ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken -ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

1

: to take upon oneself as a task : enter upon

undertake a journey

2

: to take on as a duty : agree, contract

undertake to deliver a package