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

Over the years, the boat has undergone numerous upgrades. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026

After receiving a bone-marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering and undergoing chemotherapy at home, Schlossberg took part in a trial of CAR-T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy used to treat certain blood cancers. —Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026

Sometimes diamonds undergo an elementary reaction during the crystallization process which produces a fluorescent glow under the UV. —Emilia Petrarca, New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2026

The apartment complex was undergoing a monthslong renovation project, and the buildings had been covered by bamboo scaffolding and green netting. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 2 Jan. 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