undertaking

Everyday

1. A big or difficult job or project. tree →
2. (formal) A promise to do something. tree →
3. The work of an undertaker (arranging funerals). tree →

In the lessons

In formal and exam language «a huge undertaking» means a big task. In stories it describes a long journey or adventure. In law it means a promise. Phrases: a major undertaking, give an undertaking.

Examples

• Building the tree house was a big undertaking. tree →
• Climbing the mountain was a dangerous undertaking. tree →
• The shop gave an undertaking to refund faulty goods. tree →
• Moving house is quite an undertaking. tree →
• The project was a joint undertaking by two schools. tree →
• She is undertaking a course in first aid. tree →
• To cross to the opposite shore was an undertaking fraught with danger to life and limb. tree →

Note

Undertake is irregular: undertake, undertook, undertaken. An undertaker is a person who arranges funerals. Countable: an undertaking.