action item
AK-shuhn EYE-tuhm
/ˈækʃən ˌaɪtəm/
A task or activity that needs to be done, usually assigned to a specific person or team after a meeting.
Action items are concrete, measurable, and time-bound tasks that emerge from discussions, ensuring progress is made.
The story behind the word. The term 'action item' is a modern business compound, combining 'action' (from Latin `agere`, 'to do') and 'item' (from Latin `item`, 'likewise' or 'also,' evolving to mean 'an article or entry'). It perfectly describes a specific point on a list that requires 'doing' or 'action' to move a project or discussion forward.
Word relationships
- task: More general, can be any duty or piece of work.
- to-do: More informal, often for personal lists.
- deliverable: A tangible outcome or product, often part of a larger project.
Commonly confused with
- discussion point: A discussion point is a topic for conversation; an action item is a task resulting from that conversation.
Collocations
- assign an action item
- track action items
- follow up on action items
- list of action items
Example sentences
- "Each department head left the strategic planning session with a clear list of `action item`s to implement before the next review." After the meeting, John was assigned the action item of researching new software options.
- "The first `action item` on our list is to contact the vendor for a revised quote." Tracking action items is crucial for project success.
Memory hook
An 'ACTION ITEM' is an 'ITEM' that requires 'ACTION'. Task to do
When not to use
Do not use 'action item' for general discussions or ideas that don't require a specific follow-up task.
Fun facts
- The popularity of 'action item' surged with the rise of project management methodologies, emphasizing clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
- Effective meetings often conclude with a review of all action items to ensure clarity and accountability.
Explore more words
take action, actionable, deliverables, agenda, milestone, assignment
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