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

Before figuring out how, if at all, to make the reconciliation legislation budget neutral, however, Republicans are debating a more fundamental question: Should the undertaking be one bill, or split into two measures? —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2025

The massive undertaking includes some 32 floats — all made from organic material — 20 marching bands and 16 equestrian groups. —Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024

Tackling small steps consistently will make the larger undertakings feel manageable. —Britney Porter, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Neither undertaking involves much glory; each is just an honest effort made anew each day. —Edward Hirsch, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing undertaking

• give an undertaking

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.