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

Focusing on what he saw as the eroding strength of the military, Hegseth announced a sweeping set of directives aimed at reversing what he called decades of “politically correct” rules of engagement.

From Salon

Fateh, as evidence of his increased recognition, said he’s seen increased engagement from young people and a surge in campaign volunteers.

From Salon

“We’re excited,” he added, “because it’s a culmination of several months of rapid engagement and execution to really build a full campus for students.”

From Los Angeles Times

It also added that it is important for them to consider a broad range of options for delivering the memorial and to inform their thinking, which was the purpose of the market engagement exercise.

From BBC

At the time of their engagement, Gomez shared the news on Instagram, captioning a series of photos of her ring with the words, “forever begins now.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appointment 
• arrangement 
• commitment 
• gig