undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk 
undertook
ˌən-dər-ˈtu̇k
; undertaken
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kən
; undertaking
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
—often followed by to + a verb He undertook to raise his sister's children.
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
Filosa has been undertaking a turnaround plan since he was named CEO in May.
—
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Commuters in eastern Lake Forest can expect traffic disruptions over the coming months as the city undertakes construction on two Lake Road bridges.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
In her post blasting him, the public diplomacy undersecretary Sarah Rogers focused on a different research project the CCDH had undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Throughout the 1970s, Von Däniken undertook countless field trips to Egypt, India, and above all, Latin America, whose ancient cultures held a particular fascination for the amateur archaeologist.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for undertake
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Cite this Entry
“Undertake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertake. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
undertake
verb
un·der·take
ˌən-dər-ˈtāk
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