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

Alongside that push, the company is undertaking several expansion projects. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026

But even a justified intervention can erode democratic norms if undertaken without sustained public explanation. —Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026

Right-of-way impacts associated with the project were not anticipated and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 90% federal funds and 10% state funds. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

Some may feel the problem is hopeless, but on Saturday, one man was undertaking an arduous journey to bring attention to the problem. —John Ramos, CBS News, 15 Mar. 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