undergo
//ˌʌndɚˈɡoʊ//
Forms
- present (v1)
- undergo
- past (v2)
- underwent
- past participle (v3)
- undergone
- present participle
- undergoing
- 3rd person singular
- undergoes
Definitions
1.To experience; to pass through a phase.
- The project is undergoing great changes.
2.To suffer or endure; bear with.
- She had to undergo surgery because of her broken leg.
- The victim underwent great trauma.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3625
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
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”).