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

With Clarke Schmidt expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, Aaron Boone and Matt Blake said that a final decision has not been made on pitching prospect Cam Schlittler making his major league debut this coming week. —Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025

Hostas need about two months of temperatures below 40° F to undergo dormancy. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025

The luxury real-estate market is undergoing a seismic shift as climate change and extreme-weather events reshape buyer preferences, investment strategies, and property values. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 July 2025

Jose Siri was set to undergo an MRI over the weekend to determine whether his fractured left tibia had healed, according to Mendoza. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 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