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

Jordan Henderson hurt his left forearm leaping over field-level billboards to celebrate the win over Mexico and is out the rest of the World Cup after undergoing surgery. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026

The way Americans perceive socialism is apparently undergoing such a transition. — Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

After closing in 2017, the prison underwent a massive renovation and is now a 48-room hotel with several cells having been transformed into luxury suites. — Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The American Veterinary Medical Association says newborn animals and animals with open wounds or who have undergone surgery or other medical procedures recently are especially vulnerable. — John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 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