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

The board said momentum was being underpinned by growing demand and continued progress in direct customer engagements.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mischief Management, meanwhile, said in a statement to the BBC that it appreciated "the passion and engagement from the Barbie community".

From BBC

Last Easter, Mountbatten-Windsor, Ferguson and their daughters were all at the Windsor service, which is seen as a family event rather than an official engagement.

From BBC

If you haven’t signed a specific engagement letter and given that person a look at all your financial records, you can’t really count on them for qualified advice.

From MarketWatch

He will remain involved as an advisor, focusing on the Permanent Engaged Minority Shareholder initiative he created to invest in companies too large to acquire outright while still maintaining long-term engagement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig