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

The Arizona beer scene’s mad scientists have moved brewing operations to Miracle Mile, Phoenix’s long-ago hub undergoing a rebirth. —Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026

She was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after undergoing field sobriety tests. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

The family real estate business is undergoing the fastest overseas expansion since its founding a century ago, each deal potentially shaping everything including tariffs and military aid. —Bernard Condon, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

The therapy is also part of clinical guidelines to prevent and treat oral mucositis — painful mouth ulcers and inflammation that are common among patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 13 Apr. 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