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

She started a monthlong substitute-teaching assignment on Nov. 4 and said she was outraged to receive a call from an assistant superintendent on Wednesday dismissing her.

From Los Angeles Times

I believe he will kneecap the White House Correspondents Association, by ignoring our recommendations and requests and possibly taking over assignment of seats in the Brady Briefing Room — traditionally the province of the WHCA.

From Salon

Joined by his wife Katie, he plunges into another assignment, as he tries to get the "spirit of Christmas" back from the dastardly humbugs.

From BBC

What coach Raul Lara has done best at Mater Dei is having his team focused each week on its assignment rather than looking ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the former employees, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals as he continues to search for a new job, said that although his contract designated him as having a remote assignment, he was nonetheless included in the back-to-office mandate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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