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

Volunteers interested in providing services will undergo background checks. —Sierra Knoch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

The 15-time major champion has struggled to compete of late, especially after rupturing his Achilles at his home last March and undergoing a lumbar disc replacement last October. —Megan Armstrong, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

The lefty underwent an elbow cleanup procedure at the start of the offseason; the Yankees hope to activate him sometime in April. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026

Saronic's main shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, is currently undergoing a $300 million expansion. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 31 Mar. 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