Commitment

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.

• everyday

  persistence

  continuing effort despite obstacles is the point

  not when Persistence can pursue a short task without lasting loyalty.

• warm

  dedication

  wholehearted effort and personal investment are central

  not when Dedication can be intense without a defined promise or long duration.

• formal

  steadfastness

  remaining firm through difficulty deserves emphasis

  not when Steadfastness may become rigidity when circumstances call for change.

• literary

  devotion

  deep love or loyalty motivates the constancy

  not when Devotion is emotionally strong and can sound excessive for professional standards.

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.

• everyday

  promise

  a clear personal assurance is meant

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

• professional

  obligation

  duty is binding regardless of enthusiasm

  not when Obligation can be imposed and lacks the willing dedication of commitment.

• formal

  pledge

  an explicit solemn promise has been made

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

• indifference
• wavering
• breach
• withdrawal

• 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.