unfinished task

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfinished task" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any task that has not yet been completed. For example, "I need to finish the unfinished task before the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The tasks are available via the Task service (Table 1), and are used, via GET, for accessing either the status of a unfinished task, or the URI of the results - for the completed ones.

Journal of Cheminformatics

It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country.

The Guardian

It also points to serious dangers for the unfinished task of development.

The Guardian - Business

The U.S. should not "jump from one unfinished task to another".

The New York Times

The unfinished task is "to reignite the true engine of America's economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class".

The Guardian

The president has just struck three notes around the theme of "our generation's task" and "our unfinished task".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine and I perchance may therein comfort you.

The New York Times

My apartment is now a place to relax, not a place of unfinished tasks.

The Washington Post

While unfinished tasks were still on his mind, new demands crowded in.

The New York Times - Magazine

To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a concept of hybrid waiting list that holds all unfinished tasks and makes the resumption of tasks regularly.

Journal of Systems and Software

These teams' members crave focused time in order to eliminate the stress of unfinished tasks or the need to take work home.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unfinished task", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific task remains incomplete. Providing this clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "unfinished task" in isolation without specifying what the task is. Instead of saying 'I have an unfinished task', specify 'I have an unfinished task to complete the report'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfinished task" functions as a noun phrase, where "unfinished" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "task". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, indicating its role in describing incomplete actions or duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfinished task" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an incomplete action or duty. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its usage often serves to highlight outstanding obligations. When employing "unfinished task", providing specific context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "incomplete task" or "pending task" may be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incomplete assignment

Focuses specifically on assignments that haven't been finished.

Outstanding responsibility

Highlights the aspect of duty or obligation that remains unfulfilled.

Pending item

Emphasizes the status of being unresolved or waiting for completion.

Unresolved matter

Shifts the focus to the lack of resolution rather than the task itself.

Task in progress

Highlights that the task has begun but is not yet finished.

Work in hand

Similar to "task in progress", but more informal.

Uncompleted project

More suitable when referring to an elaborate task or project.

Unfinished business

Suggests there may be emotional or personal reasons the task wasn't finished.

Unperformed duty

Emphasizes the neglect of a specific duty.

Unexecuted action

Highlights the lack of action taken, even if planned.

FAQs

How can I use "unfinished task" in a sentence?

You can use "unfinished task" to describe a task that has not been completed. For example, "My main priority today is to complete the "unfinished task" of writing the proposal".

What can I say instead of "unfinished task"?

Alternatives to "unfinished task" include "incomplete task", "pending task", or "outstanding task", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unfinished task" or "incomplete task"?

Both "unfinished task" and "incomplete task" are grammatically correct, but "unfinished task" might imply that some progress has been made, whereas "incomplete task" simply means it's not fully done.

What is the difference between "unfinished task" and "unfinished business"?

"Unfinished task" refers to a specific duty or assignment that is not yet complete. "Unfinished business", on the other hand, often implies unresolved issues or emotional matters from the past.