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 spacecraft is expected to land near the Moon’s south pole, where the computer will undergo tests to determine whether advanced computing systems can operate reliably in the lunar environment. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

The competition spans six 30-minute episodes on French streaming platform TF1+ with students undergoing six challenges that produce one winner. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

The financial markets now are undergoing several forms of late-cycle unease, and Wall Street is now looking for earnings season and the passage of the midterm elections to turn back the clock before last call. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

To celebrate, the city’s National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation has undergone a $38 million upgrade, culminating in the opening of its future-minded Innovation Hall early next year. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 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