undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 
undertook
ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k
; undertaken
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən
; undertaking
; undertaken
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən
; undertaking
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
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
The Trump administration’s decision to undertake a comprehensive review of federal agency spending gives it an opportunity to make that happen.
—
John C. Mozena, National Review, 4 Feb. 2025
Princess Kate is undertaking a gradual return to royal duties and traveled to South Wales last week for a set of events on Jan. 30.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
From Response to Recovery Norfolk Southern, under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has undertaken a massive cleanup operation of the derailment site.
—Shradha Dinesh, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
The charges Rogers faces add to a climate of suspicion over claims China is undertaking an espionage campaign targeting U.S. government financial policies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for undertake 
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John C. Mozena, National Review, 4 Feb. 2025
Princess Kate is undertaking a gradual return to royal duties and traveled to South Wales last week for a set of events on Jan. 30.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
From Response to Recovery Norfolk Southern, under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has undertaken a massive cleanup operation of the derailment site.
—Shradha Dinesh, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025
The charges Rogers faces add to a climate of suspicion over claims China is undertaking an espionage campaign targeting U.S. government financial policies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for undertake
Dictionary Entries Near undertake
Cite this Entry
“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk
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