English Reference
noun

commitment

n.
US /kəˈmɪtmənt/ UK /kəmˈɪtmənt/ com·mit·ment UK spelling commitment's, commitment's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a promise or a firm decision to do something in the future.

    a pledge or undertaking to follow a particular course of action. Often used for financial or social obligations.

    Simple

    I cannot come to the party because I have a prior commitment.

    In context

    The government reaffirmed its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by thirty percent over the next decade.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the hard work and loyalty that you give to an organisation, person, or activity.

    the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or person. Uncountable when referring to the abstract trait of sincerity.

    Simple

    The coach praised the players for their commitment to the team.

    In context

    Her lifelong commitment to social justice earned her several prestigious awards from international human rights organisations.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the act of doing something wrong or illegal, like a crime.

    the act of perpetrating a crime, error, or specific deed. Usually followed by 'of' and a noun phrase.

    Simple

    The police are investigating the commitment of several robberies in the area.

    In context

    The jury must decide whether the defendant was present during the commitment of the felony or merely an accessory after the fact.

    perpetrationexecution
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Law

    the act of sending someone to a hospital or prison.

    the official act of consigning a person to a mental healthcare facility or a correctional institution.

    Simple

    The judge ordered his commitment to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.

    In context

    The legal requirements for involuntary commitment vary significantly across different jurisdictions, often requiring proof of immediate danger to self or others.

    consignationconfinement

Usage commitment to provide · commitment long-term · commitment to

It could become important if it is able to turn agreements and political commitments into concrete action that addresses the threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation,” he added.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

I know that cannot be done by simply wishing it." But he said he did not want to "at this point, start making commitments".

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

From commit + -ment.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated