Word
embarking
Phoneticsem·bark·ing
US/ɛmˈbɑɹkɪŋ/
UK/ɛmbˈɑːkɪŋ/
Definition
v. starting a new and important journey or project. You use this when you are beginning something that might take a long time or be a big challenge.
v. beginning a new venture, project, or journey. Often implies a significant undertaking or a transition into a new phase of activity.
Examples
“She is embarking on a new career in medicine.”
“After months of planning, the team is finally embarking on their research expedition to the Arctic.”
“By embarking on such a radical restructuring of the department, the director risked alienating long-term staff while simultaneously positioning the firm for future growth.”
Examples
simple
“She is embarking on a new career in medicine.”
contextual
“After months of planning, the team is finally embarking on their research expedition to the Arctic.”
complex
“By embarking on such a radical restructuring of the department, the director risked alienating long-term staff while simultaneously positioning the firm for future growth.”
Usage
Typically takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon' before the noun phrase representing the activity.
Pitfall
embarking to a new project
embarking on a new project
The verb requires the preposition 'on' or 'upon' rather than 'to' when starting an activity.
Real-World Examples
“A boy and the sea/E+ via Getty Images Newly arrived refugees resettling in the United States face ending one long journey and embarking on another as they begin their new life here.” “All this means José Bordalás’s Getafe, soon embarking on a European campaign, will raise the curtain at Quique Sánchez Flores’s Alavés on Saturday evening – what more could you ask for?”