Undertaking vs. Enterprise — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Undertaking typically refers to a specific task or project, often involving some difficulty or responsibility, while an enterprise can refer to a business, company, or a business venture marked by initiative and risk.
Difference Between Undertaking and Enterprise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An undertaking is often associated with a specific project or task that an individual or group commits to, focusing on the effort and responsibility involved. On the other hand, an enterprise usually denotes a business or company, emphasizing more on the entrepreneurial aspects such as initiative, innovation, and risk-taking.
Undertakings are commonly temporary, with a clear start and end, emphasizing completion of a specific goal or objective. Whereas enterprises are typically ongoing, with objectives that evolve over time, aimed at sustained growth and profitability.
The term undertaking can also imply a certain solemnity or seriousness, as it is sometimes used in contexts like legal agreements or formal commitments. Enterprises, on the other hand, carry a dynamic and ambitious undertone, often associated with business ventures and commercial activities.
In common usage, undertaking might not necessarily have a profit motive; it could be a personal or community project. Meanwhile, enterprises are generally established with the intent of earning profits and are driven by business motives.
The scope of an undertaking is usually narrower, focused on the successful completion of the specific task at hand. In contrast, enterprises often have broader scopes, dealing with the overall management of business activities and strategic planning.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A task or project undertaken, usually implying difficulty.
A business or company, especially involving risk.
Objective
Completion of a specific goal or task.
Long-term growth and profitability.
Duration
Often temporary.
Typically ongoing.
Motive
Not necessarily profit-driven.
Primarily profit-driven.
Common Associations
Legal, formal commitments, personal tasks.
Business, innovation, strategic planning.
Compare with Definitions
Undertaking
A task or assignment someone commits to.
The scientist's latest undertaking involved complex experiments.
Enterprise
Launching the startup was a bold enterprise.
A company or business.
Undertaking
A formal promise, especially in a legal context.
They signed an undertaking to not disclose confidential information.
Enterprise
His spirit of enterprise was admired by all.
An organization or economic system where goods and services are exchanged.
Undertaking
A business venture of smaller scale or specific nature.
The construction project was a new undertaking by the small firm.
Enterprise
After years, their enterprise turned into a profitable business.
Undertaking
The process of committing to an obligation.
Her undertaking of the new role was formally announced yesterday.
Enterprise
She works for a multinational enterprise.
An action or initiative taken to achieve something.
Undertaking
A job or duty that involves some challenge.
Organizing the community event was a significant undertaking.
Enterprise
The new marketing strategy was his latest enterprise.
The readiness to engage in daring or difficult actions.
Undertaking
A formal pledge or promise to do something
I give an undertaking that we shall proceed with the legislation
Enterprise
A project or activity that involves risks.
Undertaking
A task that is taken on; an enterprise
A mammoth undertaking that involved digging into the side of a cliff face
Enterprise
A project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one
A joint enterprise between French and Japanese companies
Undertaking
The business of managing funerals.
Enterprise
A business or company
A state-owned enterprise
Undertaking
The action of catching up with and passing another vehicle while travelling on the inside
The Highway Code discourages undertaking on motorways
Enterprise
An undertaking, especially one of some scope, complication, and risk.
Undertaking
A task or venture undertaken
Climbing the mountain was a dangerous undertaking.
Enterprise
A business organization.
Undertaking
The action of beginning a task or venture
The undertaking of the expedition.
Enterprise
Industrious, systematic activity, especially when directed toward profit
Private enterprise is basic to capitalism.
Undertaking
A guaranty, pledge, or promise
Gave an undertaking that he would not disclose trade secrets.
Enterprise
Willingness to undertake new ventures; initiative
"Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling, and spending their lives like serfs" (Henry David Thoreau).
Undertaking
The profession or duties of a funeral director.
Enterprise
A company, business, organization, or other purposeful endeavor.
The government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are a group of financial services corporations which have been created by the United States Congress.
A micro-enterprise is defined as a company or business having 5 or fewer employees and a low seed capital.
Undertaking
The business of an undertaker, or the management of funerals.
Enterprise
An undertaking, venture, or project, especially a daring and courageous one.
Biosphere 2 was a scientific enterprise aimed at the exploration of the complex web of interactions within life systems.
Undertaking
A promise or pledge; a guarantee.
Enterprise
(uncountable) A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.
He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.
Undertaking
That which is undertaken; any business, work, or project which a person engages in, or attempts to perform; an enterprise.
Enterprise
(uncountable) Active participation in projects. en
Undertaking
The act of one who undertakes (in either sense).
Overtaking (transport)
Enterprise
(intransitive) To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Undertaking
Present participle of undertake
Enterprise
(transitive) To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
Undertaking
The act of one who undertakes, or engages in, any project or business.
Enterprise
(transitive) To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Undertaking
That which is undertaken; any business, work, or project which a person engages in, or attempts to perform; an enterprise.
Enterprise
That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise.
Their hands can not perform their enterprise.
Undertaking
Specifically, the business of an undertaker, or the management of funerals.
Enterprise
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.
Undertaking
A promise or pledge; a guarantee.
Enterprise
To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.
The business must be enterprised this night.
What would I not renounce or enterprise for you!
Undertaking
Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted;
He prepared for great undertakings
Enterprise
To treat with hospitality; to entertain.
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise.
Undertaking
The trade of a funeral director
Enterprise
To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.
Enterprise
A purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness);
He had doubts about the whole enterprise
Enterprise
An organization created for business ventures;
A growing enterprise must have a bold leader
Enterprise
Readiness to embark on bold new ventures
Common Curiosities
What is typically the scope of an undertaking?
An undertaking usually has a specific, often temporary scope, focusing on accomplishing a particular task or project.
How are the terms "undertaking" and "enterprise" used in legal contexts?
"Undertaking" often refers to a legal promise or commitment, while "enterprise" can be used to denote a business entity in legal terms.
Is an enterprise always business-related?
While typically business-related, the term "enterprise" can also refer to any project involving initiative and risk.
Can an undertaking be a part of an enterprise?
Yes, an undertaking can be part of an enterprise, particularly as a specific project within a larger business strategy.
What is a common use of the word "undertaking" outside of business contexts?
Outside of business, "undertaking" is often used to describe personal projects or tasks that require significant effort.
How do the motives of undertakings and enterprises differ?
Undertakings may not always be driven by profit motives, focusing instead on achieving specific goals, whereas enterprises are usually profit-oriented.
What kind of commitments does an undertaking involve?
Undertakings often involve formal or serious commitments, possibly including legal implications.
Can non-profit projects be considered enterprises?
Yes, non-profit projects can be considered enterprises if they involve organized efforts, though they differ from typical business enterprises in their profit motive.
What does it mean to engage in an enterprise?
Engaging in an enterprise generally means starting or running a business or organization, particularly one that is risk-oriented.
How does the risk factor compare between undertakings and enterprises?
Enterprises typically involve higher levels of risk, particularly in terms of financial and business risks, compared to most undertakings.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
