The action of marking an email within a mail client or webmail interface to denote its importance, urgency, or the need for future action. It serves as a visual reminder and organizational tool. For example, a user might mark a message from a client requiring immediate attention to ensure it doesn’t get overlooked amidst a high volume of daily correspondence.
This mechanism provides a simple yet effective method for prioritizing communications and managing workflow. Its implementation predates sophisticated task management software, offering a fundamental form of to-do list integration within email platforms. The value lies in its capacity to highlight crucial messages within a potentially overwhelming inbox.