multitask: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; common in business, technology, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “multitask” mean?
To perform or engage in two or more tasks or activities simultaneously.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To perform or engage in two or more tasks or activities simultaneously.
Refers specifically to the ability of a person, computer processor, or system to handle multiple jobs or processes at the same time. In human contexts, it often implies switching attention between tasks rather than true simultaneous execution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling is consistent. Usage is equally common in both varieties, though slightly more prevalent in American business jargon.
Connotations
In both varieties, can carry positive connotations (efficient, capable) or negative ones (distracted, unfocused), depending on context.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in corporate and tech environments.
Grammar
How to Use “multitask” in a Sentence
[Subject] + multitask[Subject] + multitask + by + [gerund][Subject] + multitask + between + [tasks]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “multitask” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to multitask, answering emails while on the conference call.
- Modern operating systems are designed to multitask efficiently.
American English
- I can multitask by folding laundry and watching the kids.
- The new software allows you to multitask between applications seamlessly.
adverb
British English
- He worked multitaskingly, but his productivity suffered.
American English
- She operates multitaskingly throughout her workday.
adjective
British English
- The role requires strong multitask abilities.
- We are looking for a multitask individual.
American English
- She's a multitask pro, handling sales and marketing at once.
- The job ad listed 'multitask skills' as essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe an employee's or manager's capability to handle concurrent projects, emails, and meetings. Often appears in job descriptions and performance reviews.
Academic
Used in psychology and cognitive science to describe human attention and task-switching, often critically. In computing, describes processor capabilities.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe managing household chores, childcare, and work simultaneously.
Technical
In computing, refers to a system's or CPU's ability to execute multiple processes concurrently through time-sharing or parallel processing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “multitask”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “multitask”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “multitask”
- Using 'multitask' as a noun (e.g., 'She is good at multitask') instead of a verb or adjective (multitasking).
- Incorrect stress: in British English, stress is often on the final syllable (task), while in American English, primary stress is on 'mul'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cognitive science suggests that what we call 'multitasking' is usually rapid task-switching, which can reduce overall efficiency and increase errors, though some simple tasks can be combined.
Standard dictionaries list it primarily as a verb. The noun form is 'multitasking'. Using 'multitask' as a noun (e.g., 'good at multitask') is considered non-standard.
To 'single-task' or to 'focus' on one task. The concept of 'deep work' is often presented as the antithesis of constant multitasking.
Yes. In British English, the primary stress is often on the second syllable (-task), while in American English, the primary stress is commonly on the first syllable (mul-), with a secondary stress on '-task'.
To perform or engage in two or more tasks or activities simultaneously.
Multitask is usually neutral to formal; common in business, technology, and everyday contexts. in register.
Multitask: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌl.tiˈtɑːsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌl.tiˌtæsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To wear many hats (related concept)”
- “To spin many plates (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef (MULTI) with many TASKS: chopping, frying, and baking all at once. MULTI (many) + TASK.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A COMPUTER (drawing on computing terminology); PERFORMING TASKS IS JUGGLING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'multitask' used most critically?