engagement

[ en-geyj-muhnt ]

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. engagements, Commerce. financial obligations.

engagement

/ 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

Other Words From

• nonen·gagement noun
• reen·gagement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engagement¹

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Example Sentences

The resolution refers to “a documented increase in anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the United States,” stating that “these narratives divide communities, elevate risk factors, and compromise mental health and school engagement.”

From Los Angeles Times

Good, who flaunted her engagement ring on the carpet, began dating Majors months after he was arrested in New York City in March 2023 on suspicion of assaulting ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari.

From Los Angeles Times

"The defendant then monitored the analytics - i.e. audience engagement - and explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors said.

From BBC

But Downing Street said he would also "be firm on the need to have honest conversations on areas of disagreement", and that engagement would be "rooted at all times in the UK's national interests".

From BBC

"The Chinese are ready to negotiate and deal, and probably hope for early engagement with the Trump team to discuss potential transactions," said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program.

From BBC

Related Words

• appointment
• arrangement
• commitment
• gig