B2verb2K

Undergo

UK /["/ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ/","/ˌʌndəˈɡəʊz/","/ˌʌndəˈwent/","/ˌʌndəˈɡɒn/","/ˌʌndəˈɡəʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌʌndərˈɡəʊ/","/ˌʌndərˈɡəʊz/","/ˌʌndərˈwent/","/ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/","/ˌʌndərˈɡəʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to experience something, especially a change or something unpleasant

In simple words: to go through something, especially a change or process

Examples

  • to **undergo tests/trials/repairs**
  • My mother **underwent** major **surgery** last year.
  • Some children **undergo a** complete **transformation** when they become teenagers.
  • The drug is currently undergoing trials in America.

Usage notes

Typically used in contexts such as medical procedures or transformations. Avoid using in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

undergo + object

Memory hint

Think 'under-go', as if you are going under the surface of a process.

Collocations

  • undergo treatment
  • undergo changes
  • undergo a procedure
  • undergo transformation
  • undergo testing

Synonyms

  • experience
  • go through
  • face
  • endure
  • sustain

Antonyms

  • avoid
  • bypass
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'underwent', which is the past form
  • Using it without an object, e.g., 'She will undergo.' (missing 'treatment')
  • Incorrectly assuming it can take a direct object without context