Synonyms

undertake

American

[uhn-der-teyk] / ˌʌn dərˈteɪk /

verb (used with object)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking

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)

undertook, undertaken, undertaking

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

undertake British

/ ˌʌndəˈteɪk /

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Gradually adjusting interest rates “will ultimately lead to the success of the efforts undertaken by the government and the bank thus far,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Orano officially retains a 60 percent stake in the subsidiaries, and has undertaken various arbitration procedures to try to win back operational control.

From Barron's

He said the team was the "first to undertake huge responsibility" with "top-line drivers".

From BBC

The Vatican said in a statement Leo undertook the tour "in a spirit of reflection and listening, with deep respect for the place and for the faith of those who gather there in prayer".

From BBC

Kennedy, 71, has no medical or government background, but since his appointment in February, he has undertaken massive changes to the nation’s many agencies tasked with keeping people alive and healthy.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023