multitasker

multitasker — noun

1. anyone able to handle several different activities simultaneously, or any produc

1.nounB1
Definition

anyone able to handle several different activities simultaneously, or any product built to serve multiple purposes at once

Example

Lakan is a skilled multitasker who cooks dinner while helping with homework.

skilled / capable / true + multitasker (collocation)

The new smart speaker is a true multitasker, handling music, calls, and home controls all at once.

true multitasker describing a product's multiple functions

Common collocations
  • skilled multitasker
  • true multitasker
  • capable multitasker
  • great multitasker
Synonyms
  • all-rounder

    more common in British English; implies broad ability across skills, not necessarily simultaneous

  • jack-of-all-trades

    informal; suggests someone has many skills but may not be an expert in any

Antonyms
  • specialist

    a person who focuses on one area rather than doing many things

Grammar Patterns

be + a(n) + (adjective) + multitasker

prove (to be) + a + multitasker

Usage Note

Commonly used in workplace and productivity contexts. When describing a product, it emphasises that the item can perform several unrelated functions, not just variations of a single task.

Common Mistakes

She is a multitasker who can focus on one thing at a time.
She is a multitasker who can handle several things at the same time.
A multitasker does multiple things simultaneously, not one at a time.

2. a computer system capable of running two or more applications simultaneously

2.nounB2
Definition

a computer system capable of running two or more applications simultaneously

Example

This server is a powerful multitasker that can run database queries while streaming video files.

multitasker + that-clause describing the system's capabilities

The new tablet is a multitasker that lets you edit documents and browse the web side by side.

Common collocations
  • powerful multitasker
  • efficient multitasker
  • true multitasker
Synonyms
  • multi-tasking system

    more technical and precise; often used in formal computing documentation

  • workstation

    refers to a high-performance computer, but does not specifically emphasise simultaneous tasks

Grammar Patterns

be + a(n) + (adjective) + multitasker

multitasker + that-clause

Usage Note

Primarily used in computing contexts. Not all computers are multitaskers in this sense — the term usually highlights a system that handles heavy simultaneous workloads without slowing down.

Common Mistakes

My phone is a multitasker because it stores photos.
My phone is a multitasker because it can stream music while running a navigation app.
The term requires doing multiple active tasks at the same time, not just storing data.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three describe someone with broad abilities, but they differ in timing and register. A 'multitasker' specifically does several things at the exact same time (e.g., taking phone calls while typing notes). An 'all-rounder' is good at many different skills or subjects but not necessarily simultaneously — a footballer who can play in any position is an all-rounder. 'Jack-of-all-trades' is more informal and often suggests practical, hands-on skills (fixing a leaky pipe, then baking bread). It can carry a mild implication that the person is not an expert in any one area. Example: 'Our office manager is a true multitasker — she answers emails, greets visitors, and schedules meetings all at once.' Compare: 'He is a jack-of-all-trades who can fix the car and cook a gourmet meal.'

multitasker ↗all-rounderjack-of-all-trades

Common collocations

Phrases

  • true multitasker
  • skilled multitasker
  • powerful multitasker

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Formed by combining 'multi-' (from Latin multus, meaning 'many'), 'task' (from Old French tasche, meaning 'a piece of work'), and the agent suffix '-er'. The word emerged in the late 20th century alongside personal computing and workplace productivity culture. Originally used to describe computers that could run multiple programs, it soon extended to people juggling multiple responsibilities.