undertake
Americanverb (used with object)
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to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt.
She undertook the job of answering all the mail.
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to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive).
The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.
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to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause).
The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.
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to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to.
The lawyer undertook a new case.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)
to undertake a job
to undertake to deliver the goods
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(tr) to attempt to; agree to start
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(tr) to take (someone) in charge
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archaic to make oneself responsible (for)
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(tr) to promise
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have undertakenperfect
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has undertakenperfect 3rd person singular
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has been undertakingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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is undertakingprogressive 3rd person singular
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am undertakingprogressive 1st person singular
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are undertakingprogressive
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have been undertakingperfect progressive
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undertakessingular 3rd person
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undertakingparticiple
Past
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had undertakenperfect
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had been undertakingperfect progressive
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was undertakingprogressive singular
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undertakenparticiple
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undertooksimple
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were undertakingprogressive plural
Future
Etymology
Origin of undertake
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; see under-, take
Explanation
When you undertake a task or challenge, you attempt to accomplish it. If you want to undertake a verbal challenge right now, try saying “sushi chef” ten times quickly without messing up. Way back in the 13th century, undertake meant “seize” or “entrap.” Of course, the meaning has shifted significantly since then, and we hope you don’t feel entrapped when you decide to undertake a project. However, undertake does convey a level of commitment and involvement that’s somewhat stronger than the words try or attempt might suggest.
Vocabulary lists containing undertake
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Franklin D. Roosevelt, "A Date That Will Live In Infamy" (1941)
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The Mayflower Compact (1620)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Brussels is also expected to impose sovereignty criteria for public contracts in the cloud and AI sectors, and wants to force governments to undertake "sovereignty risk assessments" to identify European providers when needed.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
The industry relies on housing turnover to drive sales since homeowners often undertake remodeling projects before selling or after buying a home.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Ministers will also explore strengthening Youth Rehabilitation Orders - community sentences given to children, which can include unpaid work, curfews, or a requirement to undertake treatment.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
It might be similar to the institution-building in the first years of the Federal Republic of Germany, or what the new government of Hungary must now undertake.
From Salon • May 18, 2026
He pulled distastefully at his grey shirt and wondered whether he might undertake the adventure of washing it.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
