undertake
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt.
She undertook the job of answering all the mail.
-
to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive).
The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.
-
to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause).
The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.
-
to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to.
The lawyer undertook a new case.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)
to undertake a job
to undertake to deliver the goods
-
(tr) to attempt to; agree to start
-
(tr) to take (someone) in charge
-
archaic to make oneself responsible (for)
-
(tr) to promise
Other Word Forms
- preundertake verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of undertake
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; under-, take
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.
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
“We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness,” the statement continued.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
Our sources in Iran were also able to interview a young man who is due to undertake military service.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
The central bank said it will undertake an internal recruiting process to fill the vacancies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
There were more important things to attend to now than petty conflicts— namely, the many exotic dangers of the journey we were about to undertake.
From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs
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.
