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

Although virtually every Middle East wargame undertaken over the past 50 years has resulted in a closure of this global choke point, this fact was either forgotten or simply ignored in planning the current action. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026

Norwich is also undertaking several large-scale park improvement jobs, and is working with Preston and surrounding communities to advance the redevelopment of the long-vacant Norwich State Hospital site. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Today, the neighborhood represents one of the most ambitious regeneration projects ever undertaken in Prime Central London. — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Deetjen was president of the Oak Lawn Rotary when the club undertook the effort with the village to construct the memorial. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 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