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

—often followed by to + a verb

He undertook to raise his sister's children.

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 of undertake

• 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

Coates said that motion had nothing to do with Measure FD and asked only for a study into what additional costs the city would undertake if extra shifts firefighters are forced to take on were pensionable. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

As iconic Austin trumpeter Ephraim Owens and composer Sam Lipman undertake an ambitious collaboration uniting Ephraim’s jazz style with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, a health challenge requires them to confront new realities and limits. — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026

The company, which has struggled to compete with new gadgets in the years since its sales and stock price peaked in the 2010s, has been quietly undertaking a comeback strategy under CEO Franco Fogliato. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Here’s everything to know about the process Israel will undertake in its efforts to name its next Prime Minister. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 10 Nov. 2026

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