undertaking

/ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious or difficult task or project

Building a house is a major undertaking.

It requires significant effort, planning, and resources.

general

a serious or difficult task or project that requires much effort

The construction of the bridge was a massive undertaking.

It involved years of planning and coordination.

Often used to describe large-scale projects or commitments.

Law

formal

a formal promise or agreement, often legal or binding

The company made an undertaking to improve working conditions.

They legally committed to making changes.

In legal contexts, it refers to a formal assurance or pledge.

Collocations

major undertakinga very large or important projectenter into an undertakingto formally agree to do something

to accept a difficult task

The meaning changes based on whether it's used in a general or legal context.

In legal contexts, it refers to a formal promise; otherwise, it describes a difficult task.

From Middle English 'undertakynge', from 'undertake' (to take upon oneself).

Can refer to both physical tasks and formal commitments, depending on context.

under

beneath or below

prefix

take

to accept or assume

root

-ing

the state or action of

suffix

English Dictionary