undertake

American  

[uhn-der-teyk] / ˌʌn dərˈteɪk /

verb (used with object)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking

1. to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt.

   She undertook the job of answering all the mail.

2. to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive).

   The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.

3. to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause).

   The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.

4. to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to.

   The lawyer undertook a new case.

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verb (used without object)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking

1. Archaic. to engage oneself by promise; give a guarantee, or become surety.

undertake British  

/ ˌʌndəˈteɪk /

verb

1. (tr) to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)

   to undertake a job

   to undertake to deliver the goods

2. (tr) to attempt to; agree to start

3. (tr) to take (someone) in charge

4. archaic to make oneself responsible (for)

5. (tr) to promise

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Other Word Forms

• preundertake
  verb (used with object)

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.

Example Sentences

Mr. Warsh promised to undertake a major “data project” regarding inflation soon after taking office if confirmed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

BlackRock said it would undertake $450 million in share repurchases in the current quarter and deliver a 10% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $5.73 per share.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

However, the upcoming Beijing Auto Show in late April should support sentiment and the Labor Day holiday in early May could also boost vehicle demand as consumers undertake road trips, the industry body said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Earlier this year, several UN experts called on India to undertake major reforms to modernise policing in line with international human rights standards.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Throughout the first day the Trojans defended themselves successfully, following the strict orders which Aeneas at his departure had given them on no account to undertake an offensive.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• begin
• commence
• guarantee
• initiate
• launch
• offer
• shoulder
• tackle
• try