undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

transitive verb

1

: to take upon oneself : set about : attempt

undertake a task

undertake to learn to swim

2

: to put oneself under obligation to perform

also : to accept as a charge or responsibility

the lawyer who undertook the case

3

: guarantee, promise

readily undertook that the letter should be securely conveyed

—Sir Walter Scott

intransitive verb

archaic : to give surety or assume responsibility

Synonyms

• accept
• assume
• shoulder

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search.

The researchers undertook a series of studies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yvonee grounds Thompson throughout Aronofsky’s glorious character study on a small town kid who must grapple with a brutal series of events that undertakes his sensibilities. —Malik Peay, Essence, 27 Aug. 2025

Any efforts to change a corporate brand should not be undertaken without asking several key questions. —Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

When Francis Ford Coppola finally went into production on Megalopolis, the project carried the weight of decades of anticipation and the air of a high-wire act undertaken by a beloved, daredevil octogenarian. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025

Kaye’s death certificate — issued on July 23 — originally stated that an autopsy had not been undertaken. —Sean Mandell, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for undertake

• overtake
• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

Kids Definition

undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 

undertook -ˈtu̇k  ; undertaken -ˈtā-kən  ; undertaking

1

: to take upon oneself as a task : enter upon

undertake a journey

2

: to take on as a duty : agree, contract

undertake to deliver a package