WordValeasynchronous
not occurring at the same time; not waiting for a response
In more detail
1. (adjective) not happening at the same time; not simultaneous
2. (adjective) in computing, allowing processes to happen independently without waiting for each other to finish
Examples
- 1. The two events were asynchronous, occurring in different countries at different times.
- 2. An asynchronous web request lets the page continue loading while data downloads in the background.
How to use asynchronous
Asynchronous describes events or processes that do not occur at the same time or that do not depend on one another's completion. It is commonly used in computing and technology contexts to describe systems where operations proceed independently, but also applies more broadly to non-simultaneous activities like asynchronous communication (emails, recorded videos) versus real-time interaction. The term carries a technical tone but is increasingly used in general contexts.
Common phrases
- asynchronous communication
- asynchronous processing
- asynchronous method
- asynchronous operation
- asynchronous learning
Synonyms
non-simultaneous · unsynchronized · independent · staggered · sequential
Opposites
synchronous · simultaneous · concurrent
Word family
synchronous · asynchronously · asynchronicity · synchronize
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse asynchronous with asynchronous meaning 'lacking rhythm or pattern'; asynchronous specifically refers to timing relationships between events, not to irregularity or lack of coordination.
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