mission

/ˈmɪʃən/
nounIntermediate a task or assignment
general

a task or assignment, typically one that is challenging or requires effort

The astronauts completed their mission to repair the satellite.

The astronauts successfully finished their challenging task of fixing the satellite.

💡

Often used in contexts involving purpose, duty, or a specific goal.

historical

a group of people sent to a foreign country for a specific purpose, such as religious or diplomatic work

The missionaries went on a mission to spread their faith.

The religious group traveled to convert people to their beliefs.

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Historically associated with religious or colonial expansion.

personal

a strongly felt aim, ambition, or calling

Her life's mission is to help underprivileged children.

Her strong personal goal is to support disadvantaged kids.

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Used to describe a deep sense of purpose or dedication.

Collocations

on a missiondetermined to achieve a specific goalmission impossiblean extremely difficult or seemingly impossible task

Related Phrases

mission statementphrase
a formal summary of the aims and values of a company or organization
mission controlphrase
the team that manages and monitors space missions

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'mission' can vary widely depending on context—military, religious, personal, or corporate.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'mission' is versatile, overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or corporate.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'missioun,' from Old French 'mission,' from Latin 'missio,' meaning 'a sending, dispatching,' from 'mittere' (to send).

📝Usage Notes

Can refer to both literal tasks and abstract goals. Often used in military, religious, or personal contexts.

Word Breakdown

mis-
send
prefix
+
-sion
action or state of
suffix
English Dictionary