taking on

Verb

take on (third-person singular simple present takes on, present participle taking on, simple past took on, past participle taken on)

1. To acquire, bring in, or introduce.
   • The ship took on cargo in Norfolk yesterday.
   1. To obtain the services of (a person) in exchange for remuneration; to give someone a job.
      • Taking on a first employee should be done with care and consideration.
2. (idiomatic) To begin to have or exhibit.
   • In the dark, the teddy bear took on the appearance of a fearsome monster.
3. (idiomatic) To assume or take responsibility for.
   • I'll take on the project if no one else will.
   1. (UK, idiomatic) To accept (feedback).
      • Thanks for your comments, I'll take them on.
4. (idiomatic) To attempt to fight, compete with, or engage with.
   • I don't recommend taking on that bully, since he's bigger than you are.

See all 10 meanings of take on