asynchronous

/ˌeɪˈsɪŋkrənəs/
adjectiveIntermediate
general

Occurring or operating at different times, not simultaneously

Asynchronous learning lets students study at their own speed.

Students can progress through material independently, not in a fixed schedule.

💡

Common in computing, education, and communication contexts.

💻Technology
technical

In computing, a process that operates independently of other processes, often without waiting for user input

The server handles asynchronous requests efficiently.

The server processes multiple tasks simultaneously without waiting for each to complete.

💡

Key concept in modern software development and networking.

Collocations

asynchronous communicationexchanges happening at different timesasynchronous learningself-paced educationasynchronous programmingcode that runs independently

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

asynchronous transfer modephrase
a networking standard for data transmission
asynchronous motorphrase
an AC motor that doesn't need to be synchronized with the power supply

💡Pro Tip

Tech Context

In programming, 'asynchronous' often refers to operations that don't block execution.

Gold Rule

Core Meaning

Always implies lack of simultaneity, whether in time or operation.

📖Word Origin

From Greek 'a-' (not) + 'syn-' (together) + 'chronos' (time)

📝Usage Notes

Often used in tech to describe systems that don't require real-time coordination.

Word Breakdown

a-
not
prefix
+
syn-
together
prefix
+
-chronous
time
root
English Dictionary