commitment
Americannoun
-
the act of committing.
-
the state of being committed.
-
the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.
-
a pledge or promise; obligation.
We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.
-
They have a sincere commitment to religion.
-
perpetration or commission, as of a crime.
-
consignment, as to prison.
-
confinement to a mental institution or hospital.
The psychiatrist recommended commitment.
-
an order, as by a court or judge, confining a person to a mental institution or hospital.
-
Law. a written order of a court directing that someone be confined in prison; mittimus.
-
Parliamentary Procedure. the act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration.
-
Stock Exchange.
-
an agreement to buy or sell securities.
-
a sale or purchase of securities.
-
noun
-
the act of committing or pledging
-
the state of being committed or pledged
-
an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one's freedom of action
-
the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature
-
Also called (esp formerly): mittimus. law a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned
-
the official consignment of a person to a mental hospital or prison
-
commission or perpetration, esp of a crime
-
a future financial obligation or contingent liability
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of commitment
Explanation
Making a commitment involves dedicating yourself to something, like a person or a cause. Before you make a commitment, think carefully. A commitment obligates you to do something. Some commitments are large, like marriage. When you take a job, you're making a commitment to show up and do the job well, and your employer makes a commitment to pay you. There are smaller commitments too. If you said you'd meet a friend at six, that's a commitment — show up or your friend will be mad. You also can speak of commitment as a quality. Staying after school for a study group shows your commitment to good grades.
Vocabulary lists containing commitment
Starting Your New Life: Inspiring Words from Commencement Speeches
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Creativity at Work" and "The Hidden Secrets of the Creative Mind"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
History is made in PA: Clinton's DNC Acceptance Speech
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I've known and respected Jay Clayton for decades. His intelligence, temperament and deep commitment to public service will make him a terrific DNI," added Jim Hines, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
That meant fans with early-morning jobs or small children had to weigh their commitment to the team against their commitment to sanity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
Given the group’s commitment to costumed stage personas, the mixed sexuality of their members, and their name, the Village People came to represent the confluence of masculinity and queerness.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
A spokesman said the the programme "remains an important part of the BBC" and the decision to put the show out to competitive tender "underpins the BBC's continued commitment to Doctor Who".
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
His passion and commitment frustrated others at the seminary, and the trustees at the school told him he had to stop talking about the slavery issue.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
