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
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.
The wrestling superstar was asked by the outlet about the recent controversial match that’s got fans calling for The Undertake and Bill Goldberg to retire.
From Fox News • Jun. 11, 2019
Related Topics: elder scrolls, fantasy rpgs, playstation 3, populist, top 10, video games, xbox 360 Get this game Undertake a life-long journey across a vast land that ends with a hugely consequential decision.
From Time • Nov. 15, 2011
Among the actions it voluntarily agreed to take are: *Develop and implement a new English language learners master plan, *Undertake professional development that strengthens the delivery of instruction to these students.
From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2011
Undertake the then largest merger in computer history: buy Sperry Corp. and create a new company--dubbed Unisys--as a single-step leap to greatness.
From Time Magazine Archive
Undertake to do your thinking in a foreign tongue, of which you have but a limited knowledge: the attempt is discouraging.
From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 100, April, 1876 by Various
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.
