Task vs. Undertaking — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Task refers to a specific, often short-term activity with a clear objective, while undertaking implies a larger or more complex project requiring significant effort.
Difference Between Task and Undertaking
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A task is generally a small, defined piece of work assigned to someone or to be completed within a specific timeframe, whereas an undertaking is typically a larger or more complex project that may involve considerable time, resources, or risk.
Tasks are often routine or part of daily work schedules, requiring specific actions or steps, while undertakings can be unique, less frequent, and might involve broader objectives and planning.
In a professional setting, tasks are usually short-term responsibilities that contribute to the completion of broader projects, on the other hand, undertakings can encompass entire projects themselves, often with strategic importance.
Tasks can usually be quantified and measured more easily due to their concise nature, whereas undertakings might require a more qualitative assessment due to their scope and scale.
Completing a task often leads to immediate outcomes or results, while the results of an undertaking may only be visible upon the completion of the entire project, indicating a longer-term focus.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Narrow, specific
Broad, complex
Timeframe
Short-term, definite
Long-term, may be indefinite
Frequency
Common, often routine
Less frequent, often unique
Level of Effort
Generally lower
Generally higher
Outcome Measurement
Quantitative, immediate results
Qualitative, long-term impact
Compare with Definitions
Task
A function to be performed in a process or system.
The computer’s task was to filter through thousands of data points.
Undertaking
An enterprise or venture, particularly one that is challenging.
Starting a new business is an exciting but challenging undertaking.
Task
A piece of work to be done or undertaken.
Completing the report by noon was her main task for the morning.
Undertaking
A commitment to do something.
The undertaking to provide free meals to children was a community effort.
Task
An assignment given to a student or employee.
The homework task involved solving algebra problems.
Undertaking
A job or project typically requiring considerable effort or risk.
The construction of the new bridge was a massive undertaking.
Task
A duty or responsibility that is assigned.
His task was to organize the team meeting.
Undertaking
A formal promise or pledge, especially in a legal context.
He gave an undertaking to appear in court as required.
Task
A goal or objective to be achieved.
Her task was to double sales by the end of the quarter.
Undertaking
The process of starting an important task or project.
The undertaking of the new research initiative required extensive funding.
Task
A piece of work assigned or done as part of one's duties.
Undertaking
A formal pledge or promise to do something
I give an undertaking that we shall proceed with the legislation
Task
A difficult or tedious undertaking
Finding qualified people to fill these specialized roles was a real task.
Undertaking
A task that is taken on; an enterprise
A mammoth undertaking that involved digging into the side of a cliff face
Task
A function to be performed; an objective
It is our task to renew consumer confidence.
Undertaking
The business of managing funerals.
Task
To assign a task to or impose a task on
The agency was tasked with creating an advertising campaign.
Undertaking
The action of catching up with and passing another vehicle while travelling on the inside
The Highway Code discourages undertaking on motorways
Task
(Archaic) To subject to strain or hardship
"The Professor's household was a modest one, and yet it tasked his ideas to keep it up to his wife's standard" (Edith Wharton).
Undertaking
A task or venture undertaken
Climbing the mountain was a dangerous undertaking.
Task
A piece of work done as part of one’s duties.
The employee refused to complete the assignment, arguing that it was not one of the tasks listed in her job description.
Undertaking
The action of beginning a task or venture
The undertaking of the expedition.
Task
Any piece of work done.
Undertaking
A guaranty, pledge, or promise
Gave an undertaking that he would not disclose trade secrets.
Task
A difficult or tedious undertaking.
Undertaking
The profession or duties of a funeral director.
Task
An objective.
Undertaking
The business of an undertaker, or the management of funerals.
Task
(computing) A process or execution of a program.
The user killed the frozen task.
Undertaking
A promise or pledge; a guarantee.
Task
(obsolete) A tax or charge.
Undertaking
That which is undertaken; any business, work, or project which a person engages in, or attempts to perform; an enterprise.
Task
(transitive) To assign a task to, or impose a task on.
On my first day in the office, I was tasked with sorting a pile of invoices.
Undertaking
The act of one who undertakes (in either sense).
Overtaking (transport)
Task
(transitive) To oppress with severe or excessive burdens; to tax
Undertaking
Present participle of undertake
Task
(transitive) To charge, as with a fault.
Undertaking
The act of one who undertakes, or engages in, any project or business.
Task
Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount.
Ma task of servile toil.
Each morning sees some task begin,Each evening sees it close.
Undertaking
That which is undertaken; any business, work, or project which a person engages in, or attempts to perform; an enterprise.
Task
Business; employment; undertaking; labor.
His mental powers were equal to greater tasks.
Undertaking
Specifically, the business of an undertaker, or the management of funerals.
Task
To impose a task upon; to assign a definite amount of business, labor, or duty to.
There task thy maids, and exercise the loom.
Undertaking
A promise or pledge; a guarantee.
Task
To oppress with severe or excessive burdens; to tax.
Undertaking
Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted;
He prepared for great undertakings
Task
To charge; to tax, as with a fault.
Too impudent to task me with those errors.
Undertaking
The trade of a funeral director
Task
Any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted;
He prepared for great undertakings
Task
A specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee;
Estimates of the city's loss on that job ranged as high as a million dollars
The job of repairing the engine took several hours
The endless task of classifying the samples
The farmer's morning chores
Task
Assign a task to;
I tasked him with looking after the children
Task
Use to the limit;
You are taxing my patience
Common Curiosities
How do tasks and undertakings differ in a professional context?
Tasks are often smaller components of daily work, while undertakings can span entire projects or operations.
Is an undertaking always longer than a task?
Typically, yes, as undertakings involve broader scopes and longer timeframes.
What is an undertaking?
A project or commitment that generally involves significant effort, time, or risk.
Can a task become an undertaking?
Yes, if a task grows in complexity or scope, it can evolve into an undertaking.
How are tasks managed differently from undertakings?
Tasks are managed through daily or short-term planning, while undertakings require strategic planning and management.
What is a task?
A specific piece of work or duty assigned to someone.
Which requires more resources: a task or an undertaking?
An undertaking usually requires more resources due to its complexity and scale.
Are tasks or undertakings more likely to require teamwork?
While tasks can be completed individually, undertakings often require teamwork due to their complexity.
Can one have multiple tasks within an undertaking?
Yes, undertakings often comprise multiple tasks that contribute to the project’s goals.
How does risk assessment differ between tasks and undertakings?
Undertakings generally involve a higher level of risk assessment due to their significant impact and scope.
How do outcomes of tasks and undertakings differ?
Tasks usually have immediate, tangible outcomes, while the outcomes of undertakings may be broader and long-term.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
