assignment
noun (countable)
UK/əˈsaɪnmənt/US/əˈsaɪnmənt/
In computing, the act of assigning a value to a variable.
Example Sentences
The assignment of the variable was done using the equal sign.
Proper assignment is crucial for the program to function correctly.
He struggled with the syntax of the assignment statement in his code.
The assignment of values to variables happens during the initialization phase.
Dynamic languages allow for flexible assignment of variables.
The assignment operator is used to set the value of a variable.
Errors in assignment can lead to unexpected behavior in the application.
She demonstrated how to perform an assignment in the programming tutorial.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A delegated task or project to be completed as instructed.“Assignment” often denotes a specific duty or block of work handed to an individual or team, typically with a set goal or deadline. In academic settings, instructors give assignments like essays, problem sets, or group projects for assessment and learning. In a job context, supervisors assign tasks to employees, outlining objectives and expectations to be met. An assignment might be short (e.g., a daily homework task) or extended (like a term project), and it usually carries guidelines—format, scope, deadline—that define how it should be completed.When you say, “My boss assigned me a new project,” you’re indicating you’ve been given an official responsibility. Similarly, “I have a writing assignment due next week” underscores a piece of coursework or job-related writing that must be done to certain standards. Assignments can vary widely—creative briefs, research tasks, audits, design prototypes—but all involve a sense of delegated responsibility, often checked for progress or quality by whoever issued them. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or corporate employee, effectively managing assignments means clarifying the task, setting timelines, and ensuring the final product meets the required criteria.
Alternatives
If you need slightly different phrasing, “task,” “duty,” or “project” might stand in for more informal or broad references—like “He gave me a new task to finish by Friday.” “Obligation” or “responsibility” highlights the accountability aspect, while “job” or “mission” might emphasize the immediate action or goal. Yet “assignment” often conveys a more structured, officially mandated piece of work, especially in schools or workplaces. Terms like “homework,” “brief,” or “commission” specify narrower contexts—academic homework, creative briefs, or paid commissions. The best choice depends on the level of formality, specificity, and domain in question.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, specify the scope and purpose of an assignment. For example, “The instructor provided a writing assignment that requires a 2,000-word analysis of the novel’s main themes.” If outlining the steps, note deadlines, required deliverables, and evaluation criteria—“This assignment will be graded on clarity, argumentation, and use of sources.” If referencing a business context, you might say, “Her assignment was to reorganize the department’s filing system and propose a more efficient workflow.” Including details clarifies the expectations behind the assignment, helping readers or stakeholders grasp the significance and demands of the task.In instructions or guidelines, use bullet points or a structured format: “Assignment details: length, objectives, resources permitted, rubric.” Show the rationale—like “This assignment aims to sharpen data analysis skills.” Present typical pitfalls or best practices—like “Common mistakes include ignoring the referencing style or overlooking crucial data sets.” A well-defined assignment fosters transparency about what success looks like and how to achieve it.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, you might tell friends, “I’m swamped—my teacher gave us three assignments this week.” Or in an office setting, “I just got an urgent assignment to finalize that client presentation.” People also discuss interesting assignments—“I landed an assignment overseas! I’ll be working in Tokyo for a month.” Sometimes, you hear comedic references like, “My assignment is to watch all the episodes by Friday,” if someone jokingly frames binge-watching a show as a task.Even in casual usage, “assignment” signals a sense of formal direction from someone in authority (teacher, boss, client) or an event necessitating personal commitment. You might say, “I volunteered for the assignment,” indicating you took on a project by choice. Or if you’re transferring tasks among friends—like dividing chores for a group dinner—someone might call it an “assignment,” making it sound more official or structured. In these informal settings, “assignment” can also lend a playful seriousness to everyday tasks.
Etymology
The term “assignment” arises from the Old French “assignement,” tied to “assigner,” which stems from the Latin “assignare,” meaning “to mark out, allot, or appoint.” Historically, the concept reflected the act of formally designating property, tasks, or roles to individuals. Over centuries, English adapted “assignment” to cover tasks, duties, or roles one is bound or instructed to perform—especially in institutional contexts like schools or workplaces. As systems of education and corporate structures grew, “assignment” became a key word for the discrete pieces of work allocated to students, employees, or specialized teams. Its root sense of “allotting or designating” remains visible: each assignment is something specifically doled out for completion. Whether referencing an academic essay, a complex project, or a simple to-do item, “assignment” emphasizes purposeful allocation, setting the stage for accountability and follow-through.