What does "concurrent" mean?
One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
Concurrent
/kəŋˈkɝɹənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
- Grammar: concurrent is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: coincident, simultaneous, accessory, accompanying.
- Useful contrasts: consecutive, historical process timeline, nonintersecting.
- Usage evidence: Are increases in life expectancy accompanied by a concurrent postponement of disability and functional limitations?
How to use "concurrent"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "concurrent" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "concurrent" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "concurrent" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "concurrent" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "concurrent" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "coincident" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "concurrent", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
"To all affairs of importance there are three necessary concurrents […] time, industry, and faculties."
- 2 One pursuing the same course, or seeking the same objects; hence, a rival; an opponent.
"Menander […] had no concurrent in his time that came neere vnto him"
- 3 One of the supernumerary days of the year over fifty-two complete weeks; so called because they concur with the solar cycle, the course of which they follow.
- 4 One who accompanies a sheriff's officer as witness.
Adjective
- 1 Happening at the same time; simultaneous.
"concurrent echo"
- 2 Belonging to the same period; contemporary.
- 3 Acting in conjunction; agreeing in the same act or opinion; contributing to the same event or effect.
"I join with these laws the personal presence of the king's son, as a concurrent cause of this reformation."
- 4 Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects.
"the concurrent jurisdiction of courts"
- 5 Meeting in one point.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Running alongside one another on parallel courses; moving together in space.
- 7 Designed to run independently, rather than sequentially, using various mechanisms, such as threads, event loops or time-slicing.
"Informally, a concurrent program is one that does more than one thing at a time. […] However, this simultaneity is sometimes an illusion."
Adjective
- 1 occurring or operating at the same time wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Are increases in life expectancy accompanied by a concurrent postponement of disability and functional limitations?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "concurrent"?
Common synonyms include: coincident, simultaneous, accessory, accompanying, accordant, agreeing.
How do you use "concurrent" in a sentence?
Are increases in life expectancy accompanied by a concurrent postponement of disability and functional limitations?
How do you pronounce "concurrent"?
Pronounced /kəŋˈkɝɹənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English concurrent, from Old French concurrent, from Latin concurrēns, present active participle of concurrō (“happen at the same time”), from con- (“with”) + currō (“run”).