# embark

/ɛmˈbɑɹk/ (US) · /ɛmbˈɑːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embark
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to start a project or journey

verb · CEFR B2

to start a new, important, or difficult task or journey.

For teachers: to commence a significant or long-term undertaking, often used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

- After graduating from college, she decided to embark on a career in medicine.
- The government is about to embark on a series of radical economic reforms designed to curb inflation and encourage foreign investment.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when referring to an abstract beginning.

### 3. to put someone or something on a ship

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to put people or goods onto a ship or plane.

For teachers: to cause to go on board a vessel; to load passengers or cargo for transport.

- The crew worked quickly to embark the remaining cargo before the storm arrived.
- The logistics team was responsible for embarking the heavy machinery onto the freighter within a strict twelve-hour window.

Usage: A transitive use typically found in shipping, logistics, or military documentation.

## Examples

- They are ready to embark on a new business venture.
- After graduating from university, she decided to embark on a solo trip across South America to learn Spanish.
- The government is set to embark on a series of radical economic reforms designed to curb inflation and encourage foreign investment over the next decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.