undertaking

[ uhn-der-tey-king, uhn-der-tey- uhn-der-tey-king ]

noun

1. the act of a person who undertakes any task or responsibility.
2. a task, enterprise, etc., undertaken.

   Synonyms: venture, effort, job, endeavor, project

3. a promise; pledge; guarantee.
4. the business of an undertaker or funeral director.

undertaking

/ ˈʌndəˌteɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. something undertaken; task, venture, or enterprise
2. an agreement to do something
3. the business of an undertaker
4. informal.
   the practice of overtaking on an inner lane a vehicle which is travelling in an outer lane

Word History and Origins

Origin of undertaking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; under, taking

Example Sentences

The Secret Service, which will take a lead role, called it “a huge undertaking” and costs are expected to be $1 billion to $2 billion.

From Los Angeles Times

In a video released in September, the Princess said she had completed the treatment and was "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months".

From BBC

"Harbouring the subversive elements accused of undertaking activities detrimental to a friendly country posed both a diplomatic and humanitarian dilemma to Kenya," he added.

From BBC

Prosecutors said the group - known as the Saechsische Separatisten or "Saxony Separatists" - was undertaking military training for the collapse of the German government and society, which it believed would come on an unspecified "Day X".

From BBC

The lawsuit, which was filed in Philadelphia Common Plea Courts, is the first challenge to Musk’s bold undertaking.

From Salon

Related Words

• affair
• effort
• enterprise
• experiment
• operation
• project
• proposition
• task
• venture