undertake

verb

un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk How to pronounce undertake (audio)
undertook ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k How to pronounce undertake (audio) ; undertaken ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən How to pronounce undertake (audio) ; 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 conveyedSir Walter Scott

intransitive verb

archaic : to give surety or assume responsibility

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search. The researchers undertook a series of studies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wright was told not to speak to anyone after that meeting with Coppell and left Palace’s training ground to undertake his Arsenal medical without saying his goodbyes. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Records show Hearst and Hardwick, who have relocated to the Central Coast, acquired their Los Feliz home in 2015 for $11 million and have since undertaken an extensive and meticulous restoration. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025 No details were shared on what efforts the administration has undertaken. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025 The documentary, from filmmaker Xander Robin and Artists Equity, is about an initiative undertaken by the Florida government during which the general public competes in a contest to remove invasive pythons from the Everglades. Brent Lang, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undertake

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of undertake was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

undertake

verb
un·​der·​take ˌən-dər-ˈtāk How to pronounce undertake (audio)
undertook -ˈtu̇k How to pronounce undertake (audio) ; undertaken -ˈtā-kən How to pronounce undertake (audio) ; 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

More from Merriam-Webster on undertake

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