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

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms

• 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

Trump already underwent what was described as his annual physical examination at the military hospital on April 11. —Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025

Alabama’s defense has undergone a similar process. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025

The show will follow a Los Angeles divorce law firm that undergoes a heated case when founder Allura Grant goes head-to-head against rival Carrington Lane, played by Sarah Paulson. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Later this year, Apple will introduce new APIs that let developers ask minors to get parental consent again if the app has undergone significant changes since the last approval. —PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025

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