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

Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, resulting in its fresh taste, while black tea is fully oxidized, producing a bolder flavor. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026

His reputation as a top prospect quickly spread among scouts, and before long, he was invited to undergo medical evaluations at the headquarters of Canine Companions, the country’s first modern service dog provider. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 12 May 2026

The chip has undergone radiation exposure, thermal testing, shock evaluations, and electromagnetic interference assessments. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026

Nevertheless, the world could undergo some fundamental and necessary changes as a result of the war’s destruction. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 12 May 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