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

Starting in 1996, the USS Cobia was restored to its 1945 configuration—a massive undertaking that included installing World War II-era flooring, bunk beds, crew lockers and more. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

An undertaking begun a week ago hits a snag under the Pisces first quarter moon. —USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Utah's Deer Valley has launched its East Village project, a massive multiyear undertaking that will more than double its existing terrain. —Crai S. Bower, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2024

Completing the verification and destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons program will be a major undertaking. —Gregory D. Koblentz, Foreign Affairs, 19 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.