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

Doctors discovered cancerous masses during the procedure, and DeCarlo underwent treatment until he was hospitalized from November through December after another brain bleed. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

The complex underwent a major renovation in 2019. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Mar. 2026

Vucevic underwent surgery over the weekend to repair his fractured ring finger and is not expected to miss at least three weeks. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Texas football began its spring workouts on a misty morning Monday at Denius Fields, but star quarterback Arch Manning could only watch along with the media folks after undergoing foot surgery in the offseason. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 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