Undertake Definition and Meaning
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Published on July 8, 2025
Undertake means to commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); to take on. e.g., She decided to undertake a new project to improve her skills.
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Undertake Definitions
To commit oneself to a task or responsibility.
He agreed to undertake the challenge of running a marathon.
To agree or promise to do something.
The contractor undertook to finish the work in two weeks.
To embark on a particular task or project.
They will undertake a journey across the continent this summer.
To attempt or endeavor to do something.
The scientist undertakes research in renewable energy.
To take on a job or responsibility.
She undertook the role of treasurer for the charity.
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To engage in or initiate a project or activity.
They undertook a comprehensive review of the policy.
To assume responsibility for or commit to a course of action.
He undertook the task of organizing the event.
To enter into an obligation or agreement.
The company undertook a major investment in technology.
To begin work on a project or task.
The team undertook the development of a new software application.
To promise or pledge to do something, especially formally.
The government has undertaken to reduce unemployment.
To deliberately begin to do (something)
Undertake a task.
To pledge or commit oneself (to do something)
Undertake to care for an elderly relative.
To promise or guarantee
"The man undertook that one room at least should be ready for occupation the next day" (Thomas Hardy).
To make oneself responsible. Used with for.
(transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
(intransitive) To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).
He undertook to exercise more in future.
To pass a slower moving vehicle on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic.
To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.
To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon.
(obsolete) To assume, as a character; to take on.
(obsolete) To engage with; to attack, take on in a fight.
(obsolete) To have knowledge of; to hear.
(obsolete) To have or take charge of.
The passing of slower traffic on the curbside rather than on the side closest to oncoming traffic.
To take upon one's self; to engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform; to set about; to attempt.
To second, or oppose, or undertakeThe perilous attempt.
Specifically, to take upon one's self solemnly or expressly; to lay one's self under obligation, or to enter into stipulations, to perform or to execute; to covenant; to contract.
I 'll undertake to land them on our coast.
Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm.
And he was not right fat, I undertake.
And those two counties I will undertakeYour grace shall well and quietly enjoiy.
I dare undertake they will not lose their labor.
To assume, as a character.
To engage with; to attack.
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to.
To have knowledge of; to hear.
To take or have the charge of.
Keep well those that ye undertake.
To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province.
O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
To venture; to hazard.
It is the cowish terror of his spiritThat dare not undertake.
To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety.
But on mine honor dare I undertakeFor good lord Titus' innocence in all.
Enter upon an activity or enterprise
Accept as a challenge;
I'll tackle this difficult task
Promise to do or accomplish;
Guarantee to free the prisoners
Enter into a contractual arrangement
Accept as a charge
Undertake Snonyms
Attempt
To try to do something, especially something difficult.
She attempted to learn French in six months.
Commence
To begin or start.
The program will commence in September.
Embark on
To start or begin something, especially something new or challenging.
She embarked on a new career path.
Initiate
To cause or start the beginning of something.
The manager initiated a discussion about workplace safety.
Engage in
To participate or become involved in.
He engaged in a project to help the homeless.
Enter into
To agree to be part of; to commence.
They entered into a partnership to expand their business.
Tackle
To make a determined effort to deal with a difficult task or problem.
The team tackled the issue head-on.
Assume
To take on a particular role, duty, or responsibility.
She assumed the position of CEO last year.
Begin
To start; to commence.
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Embark upon
To start or commence something, especially an enterprise or journey.
They embarked upon a long journey across the ocean.
Undertake Idioms & Phrases
Undertake a project
To start working on a project with a specific goal in mind.
The team undertook a project to develop a new mobile app.
Undertake a journey
To begin a trip or expedition.
They undertook a journey through the desert on camelback.
Undertake an obligation
To commit to fulfilling an obligation.
She undertook an obligation to care for her elderly parents.
Undertake a commitment
To agree to a commitment with seriousness and determination.
The organization undertook a commitment to improve community health.
Undertake an enterprise
To start an enterprise, typically a challenging business project.
She undertook an enterprise that aimed to revolutionize the tech industry.
Undertake a task
To begin or commit to completing a specific task.
He decided to undertake a task that would test his skills to the limit.
Undertake responsibilities
To take on duties and responsibilities.
After graduation, he undertook responsibilities at the family business.
Undertake an endeavor
To start an endeavor, often implying effort and commitment.
They undertook an endeavor to write a comprehensive history book.
Undertake a challenge
To accept and start working on a challenge.
The athlete undertook a challenge to compete in the triathlon.
Undertake a mission
To begin a mission with a specific purpose or goal.
The volunteers undertook a mission to provide aid to the disaster-stricken area.
Undertake Example Sentences
She decided to undertake a comprehensive study on marine biology.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called undertake?
"Undertake" comes from the Old English words "under" meaning "under" or "among," and "tacan" meaning "to take." The term evolved to mean taking on tasks or responsibilities, emphasizing the commitment beneath or within the action.
What is a stressed syllable in undertake?
The stressed syllable in "undertake" is the first one: "UN-der-take."
How many syllables are in undertake?
There are three syllables in "undertake."
How do we divide undertake into syllables?
"Undertake" is divided into syllables as follows: un-der-take.
What is the second form of undertake?
The second form of "undertake" is "undertook," indicating past tense.
How is undertake used in a sentence?
"Undertake" is used to describe the action of committing to or starting a specific task or project. e.g., She decided to undertake a new study on renewable energy sources.
What is the root word of undertake?
The root word of "undertake" is the Old English "tacan," meaning "to take," combined with "under" to convey taking on or committing to something.
What is the first form of undertake?
The first form of "undertake" is "undertake" itself, indicating present tense.
What is the third form of undertake?
The third form of "undertake" is "undertaken," used as the past participle.
What part of speech is undertake?
"Undertake" is a verb.
What is another term for undertake?
Another term for "undertake" is "embark on."
What is the singular form of undertake?
As a verb, "undertake" does not have a singular or plural form. Its form does not change with the subject's number.
Is undertake a noun or adjective?
"Undertake" is a verb.
What is the verb form of undertake?
The base verb form is "undertake." Its other forms are "undertook" (past tense) and "undertaken" (past participle).
What is the pronunciation of undertake?
"Undertake" is pronounced as /ˌʌn.dərˈteɪk/.
What is the opposite of undertake?
The opposite of "undertake" can be "abandon" or "forego."
Is undertake an abstract noun?
No, "undertake" is not a noun; it is a verb, so it cannot be an abstract noun.
Is undertake a countable noun?
"Undertake" is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is the undertake term a metaphor?
The term "undertake" can be used metaphorically to describe taking on tasks, responsibilities, or challenges.
Is the word undertake imperative?
"Undertake" can be used in the imperative mood when giving a command or instruction, e.g., "Undertake this task with care."
Is the word undertake Gerund?
When using "undertaking" in sentences like "Undertaking this project requires careful planning," it acts as a gerund.
Is the word “undertake” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As a verb, "undertake" cannot be a direct or indirect object. However, in sentences, it can have a direct object, e.g., "She will undertake the task."
Which determiner is used with undertake?
Determiners are not typically used directly with verbs like "undertake." Determiners are used with nouns.
What is the plural form of undertake?
As a verb, "undertake" remains unchanged regardless of the subject's number, so it does not have a separate plural form.
Is undertake a vowel or consonant?
The word "undertake" starts with a vowel sound.
Which vowel is used before undertake?
The vowel used before "undertake" in articles and prepositions depends on the context, usually "to undertake."
Which preposition is used with undertake?
Common prepositions used with "undertake" include "to" (to undertake) and "on" (undertake on a project).
Is undertake a negative or positive word?
"Undertake" is neutral; its positive or negative connotation depends on the context in which it is used.
Which conjunction is used with undertake?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "undertake" when connecting clauses or phrases.
Is undertake an adverb?
No, "undertake" is not an adverb; it is a verb.
Is undertake a collective noun?
No, "undertake" is a verb and not a noun, so it cannot be a collective noun.
Which article is used with undertake?
As a verb, "undertake" does not directly take an article. Articles are used with nouns.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
