# commissioned

/kəˈmɪʃənd/ (US) · /kəmˈɪʃənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commissioned
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to order work

verb · CEFR B2

to officially ask someone to create something or do a specific job for you.

For teachers: to formally request the production of something or the performance of a task, typically in a professional or artistic capacity.

- The city council commissioned a local artist to paint a mural on the library wall.
- The government commissioned an independent report to investigate the environmental impact of the new high-speed railway project.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice when focusing on the work produced.

### 2. specially ordered

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that was specially made because someone asked for it.

For teachers: referring to a work of art, music, or literature produced specifically to fulfill a particular order.

- The museum displayed several commissioned portraits of the royal family.
- The composer performed a commissioned piece of music written specifically for the cathedral's anniversary celebration.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun it describes.

### 3. military rank

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

describes a military officer who has a high rank and a formal document giving them authority.

For teachers: holding a rank by virtue of a commission, typically referring to officers at the rank of second lieutenant or ensign and above.

- After years of training, she finally became a commissioned officer in the navy.
- The academy produces hundreds of commissioned officers each year to lead various branches of the armed forces.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'commissioned officer'.

Teaching tip: In military contexts, distinguish this from 'non-commissioned officers' like sergeants or corporals.

## Examples

- The city commissioned a new statue for the park.
- The government commissioned an independent report to investigate the causes of the recent economic downturn.
- The museum's board of directors commissioned a series of murals from local artists to revitalise the gallery's entrance hall and engage the surrounding community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.