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

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

• accept
• assume
• bear
• shoulder
• take over

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search.

The researchers undertook a series of studies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Royal Commission of Inquiry was the longest and most complex inquiry undertaken by New Zealand. —Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024

In 2016, the campaign of Green Party candidate Jill Stein requested a recount that was fully undertaken in Wisconsin, and requested one in Michigan (which was halted) and Pennsylvania (which was denied). —Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024

The petitioning party normally faces long odds and undertaking the effort can prove expensive. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Marvel’s proper reboot of Spider-Man begins here, with the titular high school hero undertaking his first solo mission under Tony Stark’s wry tutelage. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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