undertaking

noun

un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce undertaking (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-;
sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā- only
Synonyms of undertaking
1
a
: the act of one who undertakes or engages in a project or business
b
: the business of an undertaker
2
: something undertaken : enterprise
3
: pledge, guarantee

Examples of undertaking in a Sentence

The restoration of the old theater is a huge undertaking. He advised us against such a risky undertaking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown to the point where watching all 38 movies is an epic undertaking of strength and stamina, plus snack times and bathroom breaks. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Mannion’s overhaul of the system was always going to be a big undertaking, especially considering this is the first-time offensive coordinator’s first time managing this responsibility. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, now Metro’s chair, declared the city ready to host this massive undertaking. — Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 The Wizard of Oz was a fairly complicated undertaking, beyond the delicate task of reconceiving an 87-year-old classic shot in a nearly square aspect ratio for a spherical space wrapped by the world’s highest-resolution screen. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for undertaking

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of undertaking was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing undertaking

Rhymes for undertaking

See All Rhymes for undertaking

Browse Nearby Words

undertakerly
undertaking
undertenancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undertaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertaking. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undertaking

noun
un·​der·​tak·​ing ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce undertaking (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈtā-kiŋ;
sense 1b is ˈən-dər-ˌtā-kiŋ
only
1
a
: the act of a person who undertakes something
b
: the business of an undertaker
2
: something undertaken

Legal Definition

undertaking

noun
un·​der·​tak·​ing
1
: a promise or pledge especially required by law
2
: something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security especially in a court

Note: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.

More from Merriam-Webster on undertaking

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for undertaking

Nglish: Translation of undertaking for Spanish Speakers

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