task force

American  

noun

1. Navy, Military. a temporary grouping of units under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission.

2. a group or committee, usually of experts or specialists, formed for analyzing, investigating, or solving a specific problem.

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task force British  

noun

1. a temporary grouping of military units formed to undertake a specific mission

2. any semipermanent organization set up to carry out a continuing task

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Etymology

Origin of task force

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Six months passed before the first meeting of the task force, which by then had been downgraded to a “working group.”

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Lara, who has been asked to step down by critics over his handling of insurers’ claims practices, has defended the task force and his handling of the wildfires, noting his department is investigating insurers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

"This is going to be our test because this vaccine has never been used in this country before," said veterinarian Anthony Davis, a member of a dedicated government vaccination task force.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Following a public outcry, Nigeria's health ministry admitted there were "systemic challenges" and announced the creation of a national task force on "clinical governance and patient safety" to improve the quality of care.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Long ago she had established a sort of Eisman social emergency task force with her husband’s therapist.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• crew