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 Charles was advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties while undergoing a schedule of regular treatments but will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork, the palace says. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 In June, Connecticut amended its data privacy law to mandate online platforms undertake child safety assessments and assist young users in staying away from damaging posts. Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024 The treaty allows for inspections to be undertaken aerially, as well, which means inspection teams can technically inspect Russian Antarctic stations without stepping inside them. Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 At a summit in 1997, researchers again suggested that the Forest Service undertake a cohort study to look at the effect of wildfire smoke among the workforce, using markers like blood and urine samples. ProPublica, 16 Mar. 2024 Now, Barnett’s death is the subject of an investigation that’s being undertaken by Charleston police. Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 There was improvement afterward as the academy undertook a major expansion of its membership. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Up to 1 million Arizonans may soon get good news in the mail that their medical debts were paid, thanks to a new initiative undertaken by Gov. Katie Hobbs' administration. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undertake.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near undertake

Cite this Entry

“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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