engagement

American  

[en-geyj-muhnt] / ɛnˈgeɪdʒ mənt /

noun

1. the act of engaging or the state of being engaged; involvement: The website failed because of weak visitor engagement.

   Voter engagement and turnout were high.

   The website failed because of weak visitor engagement.

2. an appointment or arrangement.

   a business engagement.

3. betrothal.

   They announced their engagement.

4. a pledge; an obligation or agreement.

   All his time seems to be taken up with social engagements.

   Synonyms:

   promise, contract

5. employment, or a period or post of employment, especially in the performing arts.

   Her engagement at the nightclub will last five weeks.

6. an encounter, conflict, or battle.

   We have had two very costly engagements with the enemy this week alone.

7. Mechanics. the act or state of interlocking.

8. Commerce. engagements, financial obligations.

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engagement British  

/ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt /

noun

1. a pledge of marriage; betrothal

2. an appointment or arrangement, esp for business or social purposes

3. the act of engaging or condition of being engaged

4. a promise, obligation, or other condition that binds

5. a period of employment, esp a limited period

6. an action; battle

7. (plural) financial obligations

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Other Word Forms

• nonengagement noun
• reengagement noun

Etymology

Origin of engagement

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Example Sentences

"Our new engagement strategy aims to increase understanding and enable participation in the work of the assembly, including bringing more people to Parliament Buildings," it added.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“In the age of AI, it has become one of the most high-value channels for clients, delivering unparalleled cultural relevance, live engagement, and measurable impact.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The era of treating engagement metrics as the revered measures of a platform’s success, with utter disregard for users’ well-being, is over.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Shake Shack later this year will launch its first loyalty program, integrating across platforms to personalize offers and boost customer engagement.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Twenty minutes of laser engagement and detonating battle shuttles later, she’s fast asleep.

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig