engagement

[en-geyj-muhnt]

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.

engagement

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonengagement noun
• reengagement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engagement¹

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Example Sentences

Segal’s actions illustrate the challenges universities face in balancing free speech with the responsibilities of student engagement, especially when activism directly affects vulnerable populations.

Read more on Salon

Leo's style is far quieter, so this star-studded engagement is a new look.

Read more on BBC

“Under his leadership, Walmart U.S. emphasized digital acceleration, associate engagement, and achieved a major milestone — turning e-commerce profitable in the U.S.,”

Read more on MarketWatch

Mr O'Connor says viral trends have been twisted to target other minority groups too, including LGBTQ+ people and migrants, with content creators motivated by an endless hunt for engagement.

Read more on BBC

The company has also removed games in part due to low customer engagement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appointment 
• arrangement 
• commitment 
• gig