Word
undergo
Phoneticsun·der·go, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌəndɝˈɡoʊ/
UK/ˌʌndəɡˈəʊ/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
undergo
Past
underwent
Past participle
undergone
Definitions
01to experience a process or change
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to experience a change or a process that takes time.
v. to experience or be subjected to a process, transformation, or period of development. Transitive — always requires a direct object.
“The old train station will undergo a major renovation next year to modernize the platforms.”
“The company is currently undergoing a massive restructuring process in an attempt to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.”
Synonyms
02to have medical treatment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine
v. to have a medical operation or a series of tests.
v. to be subjected to a medical procedure, surgery, or diagnostic testing.
“He had to undergo several tests at the hospital before the doctors could find the problem.”
“The patient will undergo surgery tomorrow morning to repair the damaged ligament in her knee.”
03to endure something difficult
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to go through a difficult or painful experience.
v. to endure or suffer through a challenging, unpleasant, or painful experience. Often carries a more formal tone than 'go through'.
“The explorers had to undergo many hardships during their long journey across the desert.”
“Prisoners of war often undergo extreme psychological stress that can lead to long-term trauma if not addressed immediately upon their release.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “undergo” in context.
Verb
01. undergo change
“The city has started to undergo change as new businesses move into the downtown area.”
verb + noun
02. undergo development
“The software will undergo development for another six months before its official release.”
verb + noun
03. undergo process
“All new recruits must undergo a rigorous screening process before they are hired.”
verb + noun
04. undergo transformation
“The old warehouse is set to undergo a complete transformation into luxury apartments.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“The former police officer was undergoing treatment for colon cancer.” “But in an ideal world, all three of Rogers, Konsa and Tielemans would not have gone in the same summer; to undergo this much change at once is an enormous risk.” Etymology
From Middle English undergon, from Old English undergān (“to undergo, undermine, ruin”), equivalent to under- + go. Cognate with Dutch ondergaan (“to undergo, perish, sink”), German untergehen (“to perish, sink, undergo”), Swedish undergå (“to undergo, go through”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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