1 assignment | Definition of assignment
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

assignment

noun
as·​sign·​ment | \ ə-ˈsīn-mənt How to pronounce assignment (audio) \

Definition of assignment

1 : the act of assigning something the assignment of a task
2a : a position, post, or office to which one is assigned Her assignment was to the embassy in India.
b : a specified task or amount of work assigned or undertaken as if assigned by authority a homework assignment
3 law : the transfer of property especially : the transfer of property to be held in trust or to be used for the benefit of creditors
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about assignment

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for assignment

Synonyms

chore, duty, job, task

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Choose the Right Synonym for assignment

task, duty, job, chore, stint, assignment mean a piece of work to be done. task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance. charged with a variety of tasks duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance. the duties of a lifeguard job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance. the job of turning the company around chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm. every child was assigned chores stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service. a 2-month stint as a reporter assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority. a reporter's assignment

Examples of assignment in a Sentence

The students were given a homework assignment. The reporter's assignment is to interview the candidate. The reporter is here on an assignment. The reporter is here on assignment. The article discusses the recent assignment of senators to some of the more powerful committees. her assignment to the embassy in India the computer's assignment of a number to each image She asked if she could change her seating assignment.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 When helping with homework, parents should avoid trying to control the process and should also resist the temptation to complete assignments for their kids. — Daniel Hamlin, The Conversation, "Should parents help their kids with homework?," 29 Aug. 2019 While at Compo, Mr. Suero had received a side assignment to photograph a children’s event sponsored by Hanover Bank. — BostonGlobe.com, "Orlando Suero, photographer of Kennedys and other luminaries, dies at 94," 28 Aug. 2019 Select Simon properties will host real-word events in the future that feature QR assignments for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, according to the release. — Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "A muggle's playground: The best place in Cincinnati to play Harry Potter: Wizards Unite," 27 Aug. 2019 For example, the Republican speaker of the House makes committee assignments for everybody in the Legislature, which means that even Democratic representatives are worried about their standing with the Republican speaker. — Greg Jefferson, ExpressNews.com, "Congressman Joaquin Castro talks about the tweet," 16 Aug. 2019 Ford wanted their older models to have the same cachet as younger ones and held out for good assignments. — Anne M. Hamilton, courant.com, "Extraordinary Life: Lillian Marcuson Rekas was a top fashion model who never forgot her hometown of West Hartford," 8 Sep. 2019 Some of the websites operate like eBay, with buyers and sellers bidding on specific assignments. — Carlos Mureithi, New York Times, "Cheating, Inc.: How Writing Papers for American College Students Has Become a Lucrative Profession Overseas," 7 Sep. 2019 The offensive line must operate like a dance troupe at times. Trepidation and concern about footwork and not knowing assignments can make the entire ensemble fail. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football mailbag: Fans air grievances about hapless offense," 7 Sep. 2019 Lindsey and Jay both say the biggest issue against Cal Poly was a failure to carry out assignments. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Toreros will try to shore up defense against UC Davis," 6 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assignment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of assignment

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for assignment

see assign entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for assignment

wage assignment

noun

Financial Definition of wage assignment

What It Is

A wage assignment refers to a forced payment of a financial obligation via automatic withholding from an employee's pay.

How It Works

Courts can subject individuals who become delinquent in their obligations to wage assignments. In most cases, wage assignments are ordered when a person is delinquent on child support, spousal support, taxes or loans. If the obligor shows a history of nonpayment, a wage assignment can be used to automatically subtract money owed from his or her payroll without his or her consent. For example, if an individual becomes delinquent on $100 monthly loan payments, a wage assignment automatically deducts the $100 from the person's weekly or monthly paycheck and sends it to the lender.

Why It Matters

Wage assignments are frequently ordered in connection with delinquent child support payments and merchant credit balances. Though unlawful in certain U.S. states, wage assignments can be a useful, proactive method for recouping long-term unpaid debts.

Source: Investing Answers

assignment

noun
How to pronounce assignment (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of assignment

: a job or duty that is given to someone : a task someone is required to do
: the act of sending someone to a particular group or place as part of a job
: the act of giving a particular value, identity, etc., to something

See the full definition for assignment in the English Language Learners Dictionary

assignment

noun
as·​sign·​ment | \ ə-ˈsīn-mənt How to pronounce assignment (audio) \

Kids Definition of assignment

1 : the act of giving out or assigning the assignment of seats
2 : something (as a job or task) that is given out a homework assignment

Keep scrolling for more

assignment

noun
as·​sign·​ment

Legal Definition of assignment

1 : the act of assigning

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!