assignment

American  

[uh-sahyn-muhnt] / əˈsaɪn mənt /

noun

1. something assigned, as a particular task or duty.

   She completed the assignment and went on to other jobs.

   Synonyms:

   job, obligation

2. a position of responsibility, post of duty, or the like, to which one is appointed.

   He left for his assignment in the Middle East.

   Synonyms:

   job, obligation

3. an act of assigning; appointment.

4. Law.

   1. the transference of a right, interest, or title, or the instrument of transfer.

   2. a transference of property to assignees for the benefit of creditors.

---

assignment British  

/ əˈsaɪnmənt /

noun

1. something that has been assigned, such as a mission or task

2. a position or post to which a person is assigned

3. the act of assigning or state of being assigned

4. law

   1. the transfer to another of a right, interest, or title to property, esp personal property

      assignment of a lease

   2. the document effecting such a transfer

   3. the right, interest, or property transferred

5. law (formerly) the transfer, esp by an insolvent debtor, of property in trust for the benefit of his creditors

6. logic a function that associates specific values with each variable in a formal expression

7. history a system (1789–1841) whereby a convict could become the unpaid servant of a freeman

---

Related Words

See task.

Other Word Forms

• misassignment noun
• nonassignment noun
• reassignment noun

Etymology

Origin of assignment

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English assignament, from Medieval Latin assignāmentum. See assign, -ment

Example Sentences

Before spending much of the past year on assignment with the White House Council of Economic Advisers, he had no experience working in a political capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Meeting with the Polish families, was that an assignment for the embassy?”

From Literature

A flight attendant carrying a tablet with seat assignments strolled the aisle to ensure that people were in the correct locations according to their tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Southwest said it was benefiting from revenue initiatives, including charging for seat assignments and extra-legroom seats, along with the checked-bag fees, and continued cost controls.

From Barron's

Your boss likely remembers what you did a few weeks ago but probably needs a reminder of that assignment you nailed last March.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appointment
• chore
• drill
• duty
• homework
• job
• position
• post
• practice
• stint