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

—often followed by to + a verb

He undertook to raise his sister's children.

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 of undertake

• accept
• assume
• shoulder

Examples of undertake in a Sentence

He's undertaking a thorough search.

The researchers undertook a series of studies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tankers have undertaken ship-to-ship transfers as a means of evading possible attack. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Over three and a half years, Vervoordt’s team, alongside regional Swiss firm Comina Architecture, undertook a meticulous renovation of the nearly 10,000-square-foot property. — Michael James Gardner, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

Later, after the destruction of the Jewish Temple, Christians under Roman persecution quietly undertook spiritual journeys to places mentioned in the Gospels. — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Support from the international community could provide vital access and funding, as victims might be of many nationalities, and regional governments might be less likely to undertake independent investigations themselves. — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for undertake

• overtake
• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

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