undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ 

ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;

 sense 1b is  only ˈən-dər-ˌtā-

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

Organizing and moving experts offer their best tips for a seamless process. Buying or selling a home is a massive undertaking. —Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025

Investors should keep in mind that replicating China’s scale and expertise in manufacturing is a multi-decade undertaking. —Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

The foundation’s Guitars in the Schools program, a joint undertaking with El Cajon’s Taylor Guitars, has provided free instruments and music instruction to more than 91,000 K-12 students in 129 schools across San Diego County. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

The entire undertaking will cost the city $2.8 million, according to the project webpage. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 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.