Assignment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈsīn-mənt/ as·sign·ment

Meaning & Definition of Assignment

Assignment (noun)

  1. the act of assigning something
  2. a position, post, or office to which one is assigned
  3. a specified task or amount of work assigned or undertaken as if assigned by authority

Assignment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a piece of work that needs to be done regularly

    "his first newspaper assignment was writing obituaries"

    similar: chore, duty, job, task
    related: chare, endeavor, enterprise, project, stint, undertaking, care, charge, commission, responsibility, function, mission, office, operation, post, errand, circuit, round, route

  2. a specific task with which a person or group is charged

    "the spy team's assignment was to steal the plans for the nuclear reactor"

    similar: brief, business, charge, detail, job, mission, operation, post
    related: burden, chore, duty, need, obligation, office, requirement, responsibility, errand, labor, work, commitment, pledge, promise, appointment, commission, designation, nomination, compulsion, constraint, restraint

  3. something assigned to be read or studied

    "have you read the assignment for tomorrow?"

    similar: lesson, reading
    related: homework, schoolwork, lecture, drill, exercise, practice, étude, study

  4. the state or fact of being chosen for a position or duty

    "her assignment to the board of directors was a point of considerable pride for her"

    similar: appointment, commission, designation
    related: billet, gig, job, office, place, position, situation, spot, station, authorization, delegation, deputation, emplacement, placement, ranking, anointing, anointment, induction, installation, installment, instating, investiture, investment, ordination, choice, choosing, destination, election, nomination, picking, selection, singling (out)
    opposite: discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion, firing
    near: blackball, rejection, deposition, dethronement, ejection, eviction, ouster, overthrow, removal

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Assignment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Assignment:

chore, duty, job, task, brief, business, charge, detail, mission, operation, post, lesson, reading, appointment, commission, designation

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Assignment

Words with the opposite meaning of Assignment:

discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion, firing

Related Words for Assignment

chare, endeavor, enterprise, project, stint, undertaking, care, responsibility, function, office, errand, circuit, round, route, burden, need, obligation, requirement, labor, work, commitment, pledge, promise, nomination, compulsion, constraint, restraint, homework, schoolwork, lecture

Near Antonyms of Assignment

blackball, rejection, deposition, dethronement, ejection, eviction, ouster, overthrow, removal

Origin & Etymology of Assignment

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Assignment

Words & Phrases Containing Assignment

self-assignment

Frequently Asked Questions about Assignment

What does "Assignment" mean?

"Assignment" means the act of assigning something. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of assigning something. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Assignment"?

Other words for "Assignment" include chore, duty, job, task, brief, business, charge and detail. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Assignment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Assignment"?

There are 80 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Assignment". Common alternatives include chore, duty, job, task, brief, business, charge, detail, mission and operation.

What is the opposite of "Assignment"?

Antonyms of "Assignment" include discharge, dismissal, dismission, expulsion and firing. Near antonyms include blackball, rejection, deposition and dethronement.

How do you use "Assignment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Assignment" in a sentence: "his first newspaper assignment was writing obituaries"; "the spy team's assignment was to steal the plans for the nuclear reactor"; "have you read the assignment for tomorrow?".

Is "Assignment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Assignment" is a noun.

Is "Assignment" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Assignment" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Assignment"?

"Assignment" is pronounced /ə-ˈsīn-mənt/ and divided into syllables as as·sign·ment.