involvement

American  

[in-volv-muhnt] / ɪnˈvɒlv mənt /

noun

1. an act or instance of being included, or of including someone or something, in an action, process, group, etc..

   He closed with a reminder about the importance of women's involvement in the wider conversations about war and peace-building.

2. an act or instance of taking part in a crime, conflict, or other troublesome situation.

   Several officials from this institution were accused of involvement in acts of corruption, although such charges never came to anything.

3. an act or instance of having one’s interest, emotions, or commitment engaged by someone or something.

   They were observed spending time together in many places, but they denied any romantic involvement.

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Other Word Forms

• noninvolvement noun
• preinvolvement noun
• reinvolvement noun

Etymology

Origin of involvement

involve ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Explanation

Involvement is the act of participating in something. Even if you do nothing but drive the getaway car, you will be held to account for your involvement in a crime. Involvement is useful because it is not specific. If, over the course of many years, you play and then coach football, you might refer to the time of your involvement in the sport. If you are engaged in a love affair, you might say, without going into too much detail, that you and your lover are involved and refer to the affair as your involvement.

Example Sentences

In the wake of the cancelled Independence Day events, Sylva's house in Abuja was raided by investigators, and at the time his spokesman denied the wealthy politician's involvement in the alleged plot.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Whether the party hosts or participants see any return on investment for their involvement is difficult to say.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

One of the flashiest news announcements Intel has made in recent months is that it is joining Elon Musk’s Terafab project, although the extent and exact nature of the chip maker’s involvement remains unclear.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Pentwater is best known for its involvement in takeover arbitrage situations.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

And he goes on to report a test where the unguent was applied by a sceptical clergyman, so that there could be no suspicion of either cheating or demonic involvement.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• engagement
• relationship
• responsibility