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Commitment

n. resilient, capable professional

What it means

Meaning 1

Steady dedication that continues through effort, inconvenience, or time.

Reach for it when praising sustained loyalty to a purpose, person, or standard

Her commitment kept the evening literacy class open through winter.

Meaning 2

A promise or obligation that someone has accepted.

Reach for it when naming a specific responsibility rather than a general personal quality

The signed schedule made the maintenance commitment clear.

Words to choose between 7

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
warm
professional
  • Commitment (this word)
formal
literary

Meaning 1: Steady dedication that continues through effort, inconvenience, or time.

  • everyday

    persistence

    Fits when continuing effort despite obstacles is the point

    Careful Persistence can pursue a short task without lasting loyalty.

  • warm

    dedication

    Fits when wholehearted effort and personal investment are central

    Careful Dedication can be intense without a defined promise or long duration.

  • formal

    steadfastness

    Fits when remaining firm through difficulty deserves emphasis

    Careful Steadfastness may become rigidity when circumstances call for change.

  • literary

    devotion

    Fits when deep love or loyalty motivates the constancy

    Careful Devotion is emotionally strong and can sound excessive for professional standards.

Meaning 2: A promise or obligation that someone has accepted.

  • everyday

    promise

    Fits when a clear personal assurance is meant

    Careful A promise may be informal and need not create an ongoing responsibility.

  • professional

    obligation

    Fits when duty is binding regardless of enthusiasm

    Careful Obligation can be imposed and lacks the willing dedication of commitment.

  • formal

    pledge

    Fits when an explicit solemn promise has been made

    Careful A pledge is the statement, not the work required to fulfill it.

Opposites 4

  • indifference
  • wavering
  • breach
  • withdrawal

Common phrases 3

  • strong commitment

    The budget shows a strong commitment to preventive maintenance.

  • long-term commitment

    Restoring the forest requires a long-term commitment.

  • meet a commitment

    The supplier hired locally to meet its commitment.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated