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 neighborhood/area New York City’s Hudson Yards neighborhood has undergone massive growth—both commercially and residentially—over the past several years, and Equinox Hotel has certainly cemented its place as a feature of the neighborhood. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

Belgian Surrealist René Magritte’s iconic 1959 painting Le château des Pyrénées is undergoing conservation after a young visitor to the Israel Museum pierced it with a pine cone. —News Desk, Artforum, 9 June 2026

Brown was committed Tuesday to the attorney general’s custody for transport to a secure federal medical facility, where he was ordered to undergo treatment for no more than four months. —Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026

The pier reopened weeks later after undergoing nearly $20 million in repairs. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 9 June 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