undergo
uhn-duh-GOH
Undergo (verb) means to experience or go through something, especially a difficult or significant process. Example: “All new pilots must undergo a long period of training before flying alone.”
verb
1
To experience or go through something, especially a difficult or significant process.
"The project is undergoing great changes."
"All new pilots must undergo a long period of training before flying alone."
"She underwent surgery last month."
"The company underwent major restructuring after the merger."
How to use undergo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go through an experience, process, or change.
Common pairings
undergo treatment
undergo surgery
undergo a change
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- undergoes
- Past tense
- underwent, undergone
Fill the gap
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All new pilots must _____ a long period of training before flying alone.
Etymology
From Old English undergān, "to undergo, undermine," from under- + go.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for undergo
See all rhymes for undergo →Frequently asked questions
What does “undergo” mean?
The word “undergo” means to experience or go through something, especially a difficult or significant process. In plain terms, to go through an experience, process, or change.
How do you pronounce “undergo”?
“Undergo” is pronounced uhn-duh-GOH (/ˌʌndɚˈɡoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “undergo” in a sentence?
Here is “undergo” used in a sentence: “She underwent surgery last month.”
What part of speech is “undergo”?
“Undergo” is a verb.
Where does the word “undergo” come from?
The word “undergo” comes from Old English. From Old English undergān, "to undergo, undermine," from under- + go.
Is “undergo” a common word?
“Undergo” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between undergo and endure?
Undergo simply means to experience or go through a process, without implying whether it was hard to bear. Endure specifically stresses withstanding something painful or difficult over time. You can undergo a routine medical check-up, but you would only say you endured it if it was unpleasant.
What is the difference between undergo and undertake?
Undergo describes something happening to a person or thing, often passively, such as a patient undergoing surgery. Undertake describes actively taking on a task or responsibility by choice, such as undertaking a project. The key distinction is passive experience versus active commitment.
What kinds of things can undergo describe?
Undergo is commonly used with processes, changes, or trials such as surgery, treatment, training, renovation, or transformation. It typically pairs with nouns describing significant or difficult experiences rather than everyday minor actions.
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