C1verbwork
US/ˈdel.ɪ.ɡeɪt/
UK/ˈdel.ɪ.ɡeɪt/
to give part of your work, power or responsibility to someone in a lower position
In context
Good managers delegate routine tasks so they can focus on planning.
She finds it hard to delegate because she wants everything done her way.
The director delegated the hiring decisions to the heads of department.
Words that go with delegate
verb + noun
- delegate tasksLearn to delegate tasks before you feel overwhelmed.
- delegate responsibilityOwners of small firms often fail to delegate responsibility.
- delegate authorityThe board can delegate authority to a committee.
verb + preposition
- delegate toHe delegated the report to a junior analyst.
verb + adverb
- delegate effectivelyLeaders who delegate effectively build stronger teams.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
My boss delegated me to write the report.Correct: My boss delegated the report to me.