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. Commerce.,  engagements, 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 Word Forms

• nonengagement noun
• reengagement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of engagement¹

First recorded in 1615–25; engage + -ment

Example Sentences

The prince has flown from California and will appear at the WellChild charity awards later on Monday, the first in several planned engagements this week.

From BBC

"We welcome further engagement from all of our unions about managing fatigue across the network, but a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable."

From BBC

The meeting with members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance will be Mahmood's first major engagement in her new role as home secretary.

From BBC

His involvement with the criminal justice system, his education, his engagement with social and health care services and his relationship with his family are all expected to be analysed.

From BBC

Transport for London has offered a 3.4% pay rise and said it "welcomes further engagement with our unions", but said a reduction in the contractual 35-hour week "is neither practical nor affordable".

From BBC

Related Words

• appointment 
• arrangement 
• commitment 
• gig