undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce undertaking (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;
sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only
Synonyms of undertakingnext
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

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
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.
The project, which was announced by the White House in July, became a highly controversial undertaking when the East Wing was suddenly demolished to accommodate the 90,000 square foot ballroom. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 Hosting overnight guests is a big undertaking. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 Transitioning from a founder CEO to the next generation of leadership is a complicated undertaking in any business, much more so when family succession is in play. Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026 The undertaking was announced in a new project called Maison Margiela/folders, which makes all the imagery and research typically accessible only by press and employees, available to all. Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undertaking

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undertaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertaking. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

undertaking

noun
un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce undertaking (audio)
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.

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