English Reference

Word

undergone

Phoneticsun·der·gone

US/ˌəndɝˈɡɔn/

UK/ˌʌndəɡˈɒn/

Definition

v. to experience something, especially a change, a process, or a difficult treatment.

v. to experience or be subjected to a process, change, or unpleasant ordeal. The past participle of 'undergo'.

Examples

“The old building has undergone many changes.”

“The patient has undergone several tests to determine the cause of the pain.”

“The city's infrastructure has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade, evolving from a manufacturing hub into a center for technological innovation.”

Examples

simple

“The old building has undergone many changes.”

contextual

“The patient has undergone several tests to determine the cause of the pain.”

complex

“The city's infrastructure has undergone a massive transformation over the last decade, evolving from a manufacturing hub into a center for technological innovation.”

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically used in the passive voice or with a process as the direct object.

Pitfall

The car has undergone by repairs.

The car has undergone repairs.

Undergo is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

Real-World Examples

Common in sport and science writing

“Livramento has undergone “minor” surgery this summer and hopes to return to action in early autumn.”
The Guardian · 19 Aug 2026
“City have already undergone major changes in midfield this summer, spending £116m on Elliot Anderson, while agreeing a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah.”
The Guardian · 16 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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