undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only

1

a

: the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken : enterprise

3

: pledge, guarantee

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking.

He advised us against such a risky undertaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pathé lifted the lid of the production on Monday, unveiling first images and a teaser, and describing the movie duology as one its most ambitious undertakings to date. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025

Hanukkah by the Sea, Sunday's event, was a big undertaking for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41. —Leora Arnowitz, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

Deschanel — now starring in the new Prime Video rom-com Merv with Charlie Cox — says that project will be a big undertaking for them in the new year. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

After asking struggling businesses to open on their day off, Zaragoza hoped his undertaking wouldn’t be in vain. —Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

Rhymes for undertaking

• merrymaking
• moneymaking
• overtaking
• papermaking
• aching
• baking
• braking
• breaking
• caking
• faking
• flaking
• making

Kids Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ;

sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ

only

1

a

: the act of a person who undertakes something

b

: the business of an undertaker

2

: something undertaken

Legal Definition

undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing

1

: a promise or pledge especially required by law

2

: something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security especially in a court

Note: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.