ENGLISH
REFERENCE

committing

v. · n.
US //kəˈmɪtɪŋ// UK //kəmˈɪtɪŋ// com·mit·ting
  1. 1 doing something wrong (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    doing something illegal or harmful, like a crime.

    the act of perpetrating a crime, error, or immoral deed.

    Example

    The police arrested the man for committing a series of robberies.

    Example

    The investigation focused on identifying the individuals responsible for committing several high-profile financial frauds over the last decade.

    Usage

    Always takes a direct object, usually a noun representing a negative act.
  2. 2 promising or staying loyal (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    promising to give your time or loyalty to a person, a job, or a goal.

    pledging oneself to a particular course of action, relationship, or belief system.

    Example

    She is not ready for committing to a long-term relationship yet.

    Example

    Committing to a rigorous daily practice is the only way to achieve professional-level fluency in a foreign language.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
  3. 3 putting in a safe place (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    putting something somewhere to keep it safe or to remember it.

    consigning something to a specific place or state for preservation or disposal.

    Example

    He spent the afternoon committing the long poem to memory.

    Example

    The diplomat was careful about committing his private thoughts to paper, fearing they might be leaked to the press.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'committing to memory' or 'committing to paper'.
  4. 4 the act of doing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Formal

    the actual act of doing something.

    the action or process of performing a deed or making a pledge.

    Example

    The committing of such a mistake could cost the company millions.

    Example

    The mere committing of the act is sufficient for a conviction, regardless of the defendant's underlying intent.

Last updated June 20, 2026