undertaking

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only

1

a

: the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken : enterprise

3

: pledge, guarantee

undertaking

2 of 2

present participle of undertake

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

Noun

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking.

He advised us against such a risky undertaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But this has been a difficult and time-consuming undertaking. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Superintendent Bob Jaszczak said the switch to a new bus company has been a massive undertaking. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

The tour’s distinctive production — including its massive in-the-round stage — has helped make M72 one of the biggest live undertakings of Metallica’s career. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 16 Sep. 2026

Those undertakings include a Dolly avatar show, a musical documentary, a biopic, a docuseries and a scripted series, according to the Hollywood Reporter. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

Rhymes for undertaking

• merrymaking
• moneymaking
• overtaking
• papermaking
• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• making

Kids Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ

only

1

a

: the act of a person who undertakes something

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken

Legal Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing

1

: a promise or pledge especially required by law

2

: something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security especially in a court

Note: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.