commitment

American  

[kuh-mit-muhnt] / kəˈmɪt mənt /

noun

1. the act of committing.

2. the state of being committed.

3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.

4. a pledge or promise; obligation.

   We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.

5. dedication; allegiance.

   They have a sincere commitment to religion.

6. perpetration or commission, as of a crime.

7. consignment, as to prison.

8. confinement to a mental institution or hospital.

   The psychiatrist recommended commitment.

9. an order, as by a court or judge, confining a person to a mental institution or hospital.

10. Law. a written order of a court directing that someone be confined in prison; mittimus.

11. Parliamentary Procedure. the act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration.

12. Stock Exchange.

    1. an agreement to buy or sell securities.

    2. a sale or purchase of securities.

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commitment British  

/ kəˈmɪtmənt /

noun

1. the act of committing or pledging

2. the state of being committed or pledged

3. an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one's freedom of action

4. the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature

5. Also called (esp formerly): mittimus.  law a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned

6. the official consignment of a person to a mental hospital or prison

7. commission or perpetration, esp of a crime

8. a future financial obligation or contingent liability

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Other Word Forms

• noncommitment noun
• precommitment adjective
• self-commitment noun

Etymology

Origin of commitment

First recorded in 1605–15; commit + -ment

Example Sentences

The statement concluded that the BBC has made "a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Amazon made the single largest commitment at up to $50 billion in investment, although it is structured with a $15 billion investment, followed by a $35 billion tranche contingent on certain milestones.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The company also undergoes regular third-party audits, including by KPMG, PwC, and Cure53, a clear sign of transparency and of its commitment to upholding its privacy promises.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

“The boys didn’t deserve this beating—for their performance, their commitment, their love,” Gattuso said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

While I appreciated their commitment to furthering their education, the fact that they hadn’t showered before joining the class grossed me out.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• engagement
• guarantee
• need
• pledge
• promise
• responsibility