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 urgency of their push comes as major European companies undergo huge job losses — Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 workers — which experts have said could drive political upheaval. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Having undergone a $100 million renovation a few years ago, this property now showcases modern furniture, beautiful artwork, and Hawaiian decor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Still, the overall composition of the UC workforce has undergone a change. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The patient underwent a public health screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and was taken by a friend to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and later transferred to the East Wing Isolation Facility. — ABC News, 6 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