undergo

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.

“Undergo” is pronounced uhn-duh-GOH (/ˌʌndɚˈɡoʊ/ in IPA).

Here is “undergo” used in a sentence: “She underwent surgery last month.”

“Undergo” is a verb.

The word “undergo” comes from Old English. From Old English undergān, "to undergo, undermine," from under- + go.

“Undergo” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.