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

The response to the earthquakes in Venezuela will be a long-term undertaking, according to Elinor Raikes, the vice president and head of program delivery at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). — Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Lepore is one of the country’s most respected historians, and her most ambitious undertaking is this book that tells the history of the country from 1492 to the present. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026

Up in the hills above Escondido, Denny Sanford Elephant Valley opened in March at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the largest undertaking in the organization’s history. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Getting the new business ready for launch was a significant undertaking. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

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.