multitask

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To do two or more tasks at the same time, or to switch quickly between them.

   Grammar: No object; you multitask, not multitask something. Often used about work or computers.

   Patterns

   • multitask on something
   • multitask while doing something
   • multitask between tasks

   She can multitask during meetings by taking notes and answering messages.

   Many people think they can multitask, but they are really just switching attention fast.

   The phone lets you multitask between apps without losing your place.

2. 2verbintransitivecomputing

   (of a computer) to run more than one program or process at the same time.

   Grammar: Used about computers; no object: the system multitasks.

   Patterns

   • multitask efficiently
   • the system multitasks

   This operating system can multitask smoothly even with many apps open.

   Older computers could not multitask as well as modern ones.

Word forms

Common combinations

multitask effectively

Good managers multitask effectively without dropping important details.

multitask at work

You have to multitask at work when several projects are due.

multitask while driving

It is dangerous to multitask while driving.

multitask between tasks

He multitasks between tasks all morning.

Synonyms and how they differ

juggle

Juggle suggests handling several things with difficulty; multitask is more neutral and often about efficiency.

balance

Balance means give proper attention to different things over time; multitask means doing them at once or switching rapidly.

Opposites

Word family

multitasking noun

The act of doing multiple tasks at once.

multitasker noun

A person or machine that multitasks.

Commonly confused: multitask or multitasker?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “multitask”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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