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

Michigan has undergone a complete overhaul since, with coach Dusty May leaving for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and Morez Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara getting taken among the top 12 picks in the draft. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

According to a case report published in Eurosurveillance, the man had undergone a stem cell transplant and experienced fatal encephalitis, or brain swelling. — Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026

Meantime, the cyclical pockets of the market – from consumer discretionary to industrials to banks - have undergone double-digit setbacks as higher bond yields and elevated oil prices restrain growth expectations. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Six weeks later, Allan underwent surgery to remove his breast. — Leondra Head, CBS News, 27 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