commitment

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A firm promise or decision to do something or to behave in a particular way.

   Grammar: Countable; you make, keep, or break a commitment — not *do a commitment.

   Patterns

   • make a commitment
   • a commitment to do something
   • keep or honor a commitment

   He made a commitment to attend every rehearsal this term.

   Even though she felt ill, she honored her commitment to speak at the event.

2. 2noununcountable

   Loyal and steady willingness to give your time and energy to a person, cause, or activity.

   Grammar: Uncountable in this sense; you show commitment, not *a commitment, when you mean dedication.

   Patterns

   • commitment to something
   • show or demonstrate commitment
   • a lack of commitment

   Coaching the team takes real commitment, including most weekends.

   Her commitment to the project inspired everyone who worked with her.

3. 3nouncountable

   An arrangement or duty that requires some of your time.

   Grammar: Countable; often plural when listing several: family commitments.

   Patterns

   • a prior or previous commitment
   • family or work commitments
   • have a commitment

   I can't come on Friday because I have a prior commitment.

   His work commitments kept him in the office all evening.

4. 4nouncountablebusinessfinancespecialist

   A formal promise by a bank or organization to provide money or resources.

   Grammar: Countable; common in banking and official documents.

   Patterns

   • a financial commitment
   • a loan commitment
   • make a commitment of funds

   The bank issued a loan commitment to the small family business.

   Before building, the committee needs a firm financial commitment from the council.

Word forms

Common combinations

make a commitment

She made a commitment to finish the course even though it was hard.

honor a commitment

Despite the snow, he honored his commitment to open the library stall.

a lifelong commitment

For them, marriage is a lifelong commitment, not just a big party.

commitment to something

His commitment to the team never wavered during the difficult season.

a prior commitment

I'd love to join you, but I have a prior commitment that evening.

a financial commitment

Buying an electric car is a major financial commitment.

Synonyms and how they differ

dedication

Closest to the uncountable sense; emphasizes steady effort over a long period rather than a single promise.

promise

Fits the countable sense of one specific pledge; it says less about ongoing loyalty.

obligation

Suggests a duty you cannot easily escape, and can feel burdensome; commitment is usually chosen willingly.

Opposites

Word family

commit verb

To promise firmly to do something, or to devote yourself to it.

committed adjective

Loyal and willing to work hard; also means officially decided, as in committed to a hospital.

noncommittal adjective

Not showing what you think or what you intend to do.

Commonly confused: commitment or commission?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “commitment”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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