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

Two Rancho Cordova schools are undergoing multimillion-dollar modernization projects that will add classrooms, administration buildings and security upgrades. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026

For a culture fix, cross the bridge to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, which recently underwent an expansion in 2019 led by architect Lord Norman Foster. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

And as time went on, the barn that was once the cornerstone of farm life slowly began deteriorating beyond repair, leading the farm to undergo another major change this year in an effort to restore the barn’s former liveliness. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

After reaching Portland, the aircraft is scheduled to undergo additional preparations and updates before eventually making its way to Kadena. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 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