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 Strykers, which are in a depleted state, would need repairs, modernization, and the full development of a support and training ecosystem – a significant undertaking for a platform Poland has never operated. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Dec. 2025

Jenkins clarified that one of the requisites to being eligible to earn a charter in the first place was to compete in every Cup race the last two years — an expensive undertaking. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025

Crafting the color palette was a big undertaking, with a collaborative focus from Deverell, Hawley and Laustsen to achieve a consistent look throughout the film, beginning in the Arctic. —Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025

And although the dialogue can be corny and the narrative threads feel a little too diffuse, Chief of War is a bold undertaking that challenges viewers’ assumptions about Hawaiian culture and asks challenging questions about whether outside influence on the islands were beneficial. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 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.