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

Example Sentences

“Throw a party” is literally one of the homework assignments in Amanda Holden’s new book, “How to be a Rich Old Lady.”

From MarketWatch

This feels a bit trickier - the ingredients aren't always easy to find when grabbing a quick bite between news assignments.

From BBC

Rubio is now saddled with perhaps the riskiest assignment of his career.

From The Wall Street Journal

After reporting assignments interviewing residents who lost everything or couldn’t get back to their homes to assess the damage, I’d often file feeds while parked in the driveway of my childhood home.

From Los Angeles Times

Should the ETF fall to $65 or lower, investors must buy it at the put strike price or adjust the position to avoid assignment.

From Barron's

Related Words

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