task
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɑːsk/
US
- /ˈtæsk/
Description
- job
- duty
- assignment
- chore
- piece of work
A task is a piece of work that needs to be done. It might be something small, like washing the dishes, or something bigger, like writing a report. You can think of it as one item on a to-do list. Sometimes another person gives you a task. Other times, you choose it yourself because it needs to be done. A student may have the task of finishing an essay, and a worker may have the task of checking emails before a meeting. The word is often used for anything that takes effort, attention, and a clear action.
Imagine a busy bee flitting from flower to flower; each visit is a small task contributing to the larger goal of making honey. Or picture a team building a house; each worker has specific tasks, like hammering nails or laying bricks. Completing these individual tasks brings them closer to finishing the whole project.
A task is a defined piece of work that needs to be done. It is more than just thinking about doing something; it is a real action or responsibility. It often has a clear purpose, and it may also have a clear start and finish. For example, "Her main task was to organize the conference," or "The soldiers were given the task of securing the area."
Tasks can be simple and routine, like making your bed or sending an email, or complex and demanding, like developing a new software program. A task may be one small step by itself, or it may be part of a larger project. It often involves a clear action, and it may require time, skill, or special tools.
The word "task" is very common in work and school settings, where it often means an assignment or responsibility. A project manager might assign tasks to team members, with deadlines and clear expectations. It is also used in everyday life for practical things you need to do at home or for yourself. You can also use "task" as a verb. For example, a manager might task an employee with preparing a report.
The word sometimes suggests effort or duty, but it does not always sound negative. Some tasks are easy and quick, while others are hard and tiring. In many cases, the idea is simply that there is something specific to do.
So, whether it is a small chore, a work assignment, or one part of a bigger plan, a task is a piece of work with a clear purpose.
Examples
- 1
Morning priority
My first task this morning is to reply to all the customer emails.
- 2
Work duties
One of my usual tasks at work is updating the weekly report.
- 3
School assignment
The teacher gave us the task of writing a short story about our town.
Pattern
the task of doing X
the job or duty of doing it
- 4
Difficulty
It was a difficult task, but we finished it before lunch.
- 5
Assigned work
She was tasked with training the new staff.
Pattern
be tasked with + action
be given the job of doing it
- 6
Planning
Try breaking the task into smaller steps if it feels overwhelming.
- 7
Difficult responsibility
Keeping the children quiet for three hours was no easy task.
Phrase
no easy task
quite difficult
- 8
Current priority
Let's focus on the task at hand and deal with the other problems later.
Phrase
the task at hand
the thing that needs attention now
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tasknounverb
Forms
- taskspluralnounverb
- taskedpast tenseverbnoun
- tasking-ing formverbnoun