committed

The word “committed” means dedicated to a cause, goal, or course of action. In plain terms, dedicated and reliable, or (of a relationship) exclusive and serious.

“Committed” is pronounced kuh-MIH-tihd (/kəˈmɪtɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “committed” used in a sentence: “She's a committed volunteer who never misses a shift.”

“Committed” is an adjective.

“Committed” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Committed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dedicated to a cause, goal, or course of action.

The words are close and often interchangeable. 'Committed' stresses a binding pledge or obligation you have chosen to honour, while 'dedicated' stresses the devotion of time, energy, and loyalty to something. You can be committed to a goal by promise and dedicated to it through effort — usually you are both.

Being committed means you have bound yourself to a cause, goal, or course of action and intend to see it through, even when it is difficult. It implies reliability, persistence, and loyalty — following through on promises rather than giving up when enthusiasm fades or obstacles appear.

Generally, yes. Calling someone committed praises their dedication, reliability, and staying power — valued traits in work, relationships, and causes. The word only turns negative alongside something harmful, as in 'committed to a bad idea', where the same persistence becomes stubbornness. In most everyday use it is a compliment.

'Committed' is an adjective describing a person or attitude — a committed volunteer. 'Commitment' is the noun naming the pledge or dedication itself — making a commitment. You show commitment by being committed. One describes the quality; the other names the thing you give or make.