Undertaking

/ˌʌn.dɚˈteɪ.kɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A task or project that is undertaken.
The team committed to a challenging undertaking to revamp the entire website.
A formal pledge or promise.
He gave an undertaking to complete the work by the end of the month.
An important or complex piece of work.
Starting a new business is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning.
verb
To take on or accept a responsibility or task.
She decided to undertake the leadership role in the project.

Etymology

From Middle English 'undertaking', from the verb 'under-take'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

To take on an undertaking
To accept a task or responsibility.
A large undertaking
A project or task that is considerable in size or scope.
To undertake a journey
To commit to going on a trip or travel.

Related Words

commitment
A promise or firm decision to do something.
task
A piece of work assigned or done as part of one's duties.
responsibility
The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something.

Slang Meanings

A big deal or challenging project.
That event planning is quite an undertaking, but it'll be worth it!
A risky endeavor, often used in a humorous context.
Climbing that mountain without proper gear is a crazy undertaking!