undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent  ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ 

-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

; undergoes

ˌən-dər-ˈgōz

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms of undergo

• endure
• experience
• have
• see

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation.

some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college

Recent Examples on the Web

The hotel underwent a $75 million renovation in 2015, which added a cinema, cigar room, kids’ playroom, billiard room, and wine cellars to the already-luxurious 82-room property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Asteroids frequently undergo violent collisions, heating, and internal soaking from melting ice. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

The officer completed the agency’s 256-hour Deportation Officer Training Program in August 2025 before undergoing additional operational and legal instruction through 2026, records show. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

From surging bond yields to US intervention to support the yen, Japan’s financial markets are undergoing major shifts that have consequences for investors and borrowing costs around the globe. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undergo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent

-ˈwent

; undergone -ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ 

1

: endure sense 2

undergo an operation

2

: to pass through : experience

undergoing a change