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

Candidates were asked whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in local elections, a reference to the recent efforts undertaken by Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez that could potentially let noncitizens in Los Angeles cast their ballot for races like mayor. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 7 May 2026

But even as Steyer undertook his public transformation from investor to climate activist, his firm continued to make decisions out of step with his newfound commitment. —Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Fairlead Strategies undertakes no obligation to maintain or update this material based on subsequent information and events or to provide you with any additional or supplemental information or any update to or correction of the information contained herein. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Outpost and City Street are preparing to undertake $30 million in infrastructure work, which includes turning the existing pond into a lake and building restrooms and a boathouse that will include a concession stand. —Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 1 May 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