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
—often followed by to + a verb He undertook to raise his sister's children.
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 project marks the most extensive use of laser technology ever undertaken on an ancient monument, according to the chief restorer, Marta Baumgartner, who said the decision came despite the cost.
—
CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
According to Autohome, this represents the most comprehensive winter testing program the outlet has ever undertaken.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
Helvellyn via Striding Edge This eight-mile, round-trip climb to the top of England’s third-highest mountain, Helvellyn, by way of the renowned Striding Edge ridge, is not for the faint of heart and should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, is supposed to undertake major reforms while preparing to eventually take on a major role in governing the strip.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertake
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.
CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
According to Autohome, this represents the most comprehensive winter testing program the outlet has ever undertaken.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
Helvellyn via Striding Edge This eight-mile, round-trip climb to the top of England’s third-highest mountain, Helvellyn, by way of the renowned Striding Edge ridge, is not for the faint of heart and should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, is supposed to undertake major reforms while preparing to eventually take on a major role in governing the strip.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertake
Cite this Entry
“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share