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

In recent years, Morocco has also undertaken deep structural changes that have significantly improved its investment climate. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

That work on behalf of the government, with emphasis on the Department of Justice, has much lawyering undertaken for political reasons, most notably at the beck and call of the nation’s current president. — Miles J. Zaremski, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

Nor should renunciation be undertaken simply as a device to evade taxes or other legal obligations. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Since the extent of the environmental remediation work will not be known until it is undertaken, Yargosz said the precise cost is uncertain. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 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