assignment

[ uh-sahyn-muhnt ]

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

/ 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

Other Words From

• misas·signment noun
• nonas·signment noun
• reas·signment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assignment¹

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

Synonym Study

See task.

Example Sentences

So one of her assignments was to tell her dates straight away that she had a doctorate.

From Los Angeles Times

Enter Daniel Craig, 56, our erstwhile James Bond on a bold new assignment.

From New York Times

This, she and advocates argued, would allow inmates to refuse a work assignment, choose their schedule, and have more time for rehabilitation, including therapy and schooling.

From Los Angeles Times

Some workers have said in lawsuits and civil rights complaints that they were terminated or stopped receiving assignments after suffering an injury or reporting other health concerns.

From New York Times

Schiff will be navigating a new workplace for the first time since 2001, contending with nuts-and-bolts issues like committee assignments and office space, and trying to build relationships to pass laws that benefit California.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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