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

The Idol underwent several creative overhauls including a departure from the series’ original director, Amy Seimetz, and premiered at Cannes, of all places, to mostly pans. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 2 June 2026

The Nampa child’s parents said their daughter needed to undergo recovery treatment and described the experience as an emotional roller coaster, according to the Tri-City Herald. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026

Chinese workers’ literature is undergoing a revival in the gig-economy era, with a raft of work coming out about, and by, working-class labor. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 June 2026

The Gulf region has undergone a rapid transformation over the past decade, from an economy predominantly driven by oil to one where non-oil sectors now contribute more than 78% of GDP. —Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 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