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.

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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

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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

Explanation

Whether you’re an international spy with a new mission or a high school student with math homework — when you get an assignment, you’d better do it! An assignment is a task that someone in authority has asked you to do. The word assignment is just the noun form of the common verb assign, which you use when you want to give someone a duty or a job. When you assign something, that something is called an assignment. The word can also refer to the act of distributing something. If you are distributing new office furniture at work, you might say, “Assignment of the new chairs will begin tomorrow.”

Example Sentences

That record is blemished by his removal from an assignment based on his Francis-like tendencies, which may have had a hand in his failure to rise above the lowest of the U.S.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

It is the most challenging assignment of Vance's vice-presidency so far - one with a limited upside and plenty to lose if negotiations fail.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

She was his personal legal hit woman, and she took on the assignment with energy and enthusiasm.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The study, co-authored with Rutgers oceanographer Richard Lutz, stands out because Cinquemani began the work as an undergraduate assignment that later became a peer-reviewed publication.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

It would be the most unusual excuse ever for not turning in an assignment: “A huge redwood tree fell on top of my homework.”

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Related Words

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