taskmaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, sometimes figurative
Quick answer
What does “taskmaster” mean?
A person who imposes harsh or demanding tasks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who imposes harsh or demanding tasks.
An authority figure, rule, or principle that enforces strict discipline or a heavy workload.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar. Slightly more common in UK English in historical/figurative contexts.
Connotations
Generally negative; implies severity.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “taskmaster” in a Sentence
The [adjective] taskmasterTaskmaster of [noun phrase]Serve as a taskmasterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “taskmaster” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Victorian factory owner was a notorious taskmaster.
- History proved a cruel taskmaster to their ambitions.
American English
- The coach was a real taskmaster during preseason training.
- In this economy, necessity is the ultimate taskmaster.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically for market pressures.
Academic
Used in historical/literary analysis.
Everyday
Uncommon; used for humorous exaggeration.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “taskmaster”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “taskmaster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “taskmaster”
- Using it for a person who is simply busy (a 'taskmaster' assigns tasks to others).
- Spelling as two words ('task master').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but less commonly. It can imply admirable discipline, e.g., 'She was a taskmaster, but her high standards produced excellent results.'
No, it is gender-neutral. 'Taskmistress' is an archaic, rarely used feminine form.
A 'taskmaster' emphasises the imposition of demanding work and strict control, often with a negative tone. A 'manager' is a neutral term for someone in charge.
Yes, it is often used figuratively (e.g., 'poverty was his taskmaster', 'the unyielding taskmaster of time').
A person who imposes harsh or demanding tasks.
Taskmaster is usually formal, sometimes figurative in register.
Taskmaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːskˌmɑːstə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtæskˌmæstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The clock is a relentless taskmaster.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a master who gives you tasks.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A TASKMASTER / DISCIPLINE IS A DEMANDING PERSON.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'taskmaster' LEAST likely to be used?