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

It's always been known for its grit, undergoing major reconstruction projects in the mid-2000s when Swift was in the area. —Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025

Macon is undergoing treatment for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diagnosed at his 2-year-old checkup this past January. —Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Compared to green tea, white tea undergoes minimal processing, so higher levels of catechins and polyphenols are preserved. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025

The king continues to undergo treatments. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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