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

"I learned pretty early through fan engagements how passionate they were about this. It was not always super friendly," added Meis.

From BBC

Some employees felt launching a social-media app built around engagement would hurt the company’s brand.

From The Wall Street Journal

He adds that he has "always had limited engagement with social media and public opinion" as he knows that "no one will be able to please everybody".

From BBC

“This is going to fundamentally change engagement on social media,” said insurance defense attorney Michael Coffey.

From Los Angeles Times

Epic Games announced on Tuesday that it was laying off over 1,000 employees following a downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025, leading to the company spending “significantly more,” than it’s making.

From Barron's

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig