The right task synonym depends on size and setting. Job and assignment are the everyday swaps, duty fits something expected of you, chore fits housework, and project or mission fit larger goals.
Task is also a verb in work English: you can be tasked with something. That use and plural tasks get their own swaps further down.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
job, assignment, duty, chore, projectPart of speech
Noun, also a verbWord forms covered
tasks, tasked, tasked withMost formal
undertaking, remit, obligationMost casual
thing to do, chore, gigAntonyms
break, leisure, restWatch out
Chore sounds dull and domestic. Do not call a client deliverable a chore.
Matching each task synonym to its context
| Word | Setting | Example |
|---|---|---|
| assignment | school, work given by a boss | The history assignment is due Friday. |
| chore | home routines | Washing dishes is my least liked chore. |
| errand | short trip to get something done | I ran errands at lunch. |
| duty | expected part of a role | Locking up is a closing duty. |
| project | planned work with a goal | The garden project took months. |
| mission | important or official goal | The team's mission was clear. |
Small jobs up to big missions
The chips grow left to right. A chore is a routine bit of housework. An errand is a quick outing for a purpose. An assignment is set work with a deadline. A project joins many smaller jobs under one goal, and a mission carries weight and purpose, sometimes danger.
Calling every item on a list a mission sounds dramatic. Keep big words for big work.
Tasks synonym picks for resumes and job posts
Resumes often say "responsible for tasks such as." That phrasing is flat. Better nouns: responsibilities, duties, functions or deliverables. Even better, drop the noun and start with an action verb: managed, built, handled.
- Daily tasks included reporting becomes daily duties included reporting.
- Completed tasks on time becomes met every deadline.
- Various admin tasks becomes scheduling, filing and invoicing.
The responsibility synonyms and job synonyms pages carry this further.
Tasked with and other verb swaps
Being tasked with something is office English for being given a job. Swaps include assigned, charged with, entrusted with and put in charge of.
- She was tasked with hiring becomes she was put in charge of hiring.
- The board tasked him with the audit becomes the board entrusted him with the audit.
- We were tasked with cutting costs becomes we were asked to cut costs.
In a status update: "I have been tasked with the launch plan." Writing "I am leading the launch plan" sounds more confident and shows ownership, which managers like to see.
When a task feels heavy
Some words add effort or dread. Challenge is positive and hard. Burden is a weight you would rather not carry. Toil and labor sound physical and long. Slog and grind are informal and describe dull, tiring work.
Choose carefully in feedback. Telling a colleague their report was a slog to read is harsh; saying it was long is kinder. The challenge synonyms page has gentler options.
Not quite the same, plus opposites
Goal is the result you want, not the work itself. Role is your position, and duties come with it. Exercise fits practice work in class or training but not real jobs.
The opposite of a task is time without work: break, rest, leisure or a pastime you choose for fun. Further office vocabulary is gathered on our resume and workplace hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for task?
Job and assignment are the closest. Duty suits regular work tied to a role, and chore suits housework.
Which task words sound formal?
Undertaking, assignment and obligation sound formal. Remit is common in British business writing for the scope of a role.
How should I rephrase tasks on a resume?
Use responsibilities or duties, or better yet, list results with strong verbs. Recruiters prefer achievements to task lists.
What does tasked with mean?
It means given a job to do, usually by a boss or group. Assigned, charged with and entrusted with are good swaps.
Is chore the same as task?
A chore is a kind of task, usually routine and around the house. It sounds dull, so avoid it for important work.
What is a big task called?
A project, undertaking or mission. Undertaking suggests effort and seriousness, while mission adds a strong sense of purpose.