cosmetic commitments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cosmetic commitments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to superficial or surface-level promises or obligations that may not have substantial impact or depth. Example: "The company's cosmetic commitments to sustainability were evident in their marketing, but their actual practices told a different story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At COP21 the Lima-Paris Action Agenda will hold up the cosmetic commitments from the likes of Shell and BP alongside the weak government agreement to hide the lack of ambition.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was the tiny – and entirely cosmetic – commitment to the survival of the planet that the Daily Mail, and therefore everyone, would consider.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all the probably cosmetic public commitments to growth measures announced in the aftermath of François Hollande's election, this package of rules will almost certainly lead to even higher unemployment, accelerate further deflation and increase the substantive burden of debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the Revlon turnaround was mostly cosmetic (pun intended) and the AP&P commitments were earth-changing, what can we learn about NGO campaigns targeted at big brands?

The Guardian

"When it got started, it represented a huge commitment on the part of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, who are our suppliers.

The New York Times - Health

Pennycook said: "Despite the prime minister's warm words, British workers will struggle to shake the suspicion that her stated commitment to preserving their rights at work is merely cosmetic.

The Guardian

Specifically, with a voluntary setting-up there may be either a real commitment to AC tasks or else the creation of this body could be a mere "cosmetic" measure aimed at sending a positive message to the market.

SERIEs

Cosmetic dermatology".

The New York Times

Commitments are commitments.

Independent

Not just cosmetic.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's cosmetic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cosmetic commitments" when you want to criticize pledges that appear good on the surface but lack real substance or intention to be fulfilled. Ensure your writing clearly indicates the discrepancy between the stated commitment and the actual action or impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling commitments as "cosmetic" without providing specific examples or evidence to support your claim. Ensure you can demonstrate that the actions taken do not align with the stated commitments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cosmetic commitments" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "cosmetic" modifies the noun "commitments". As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes promises or obligations that are superficial or insincere. This contrasts with genuine, substantive commitments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cosmetic commitments" is a phrase used to describe superficial or insincere promises. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its reference to pledges lacking substantial impact. The phrase, while infrequent, appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, often within the news and media context. Related phrases include "superficial promises" and "hollow pledges". When using "cosmetic commitments", ensure you have evidence to support the claim that the commitments are indeed superficial and primarily for show.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial promises

Focuses on the lack of depth or sincerity in the promises made.

hollow pledges

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of substance behind the commitments.

insincere undertakings

Highlights the lack of genuine intention in the commitments.

empty gestures

Focuses on the actions being performed without real commitment.

superficial obligations

Like 'superficial promises', points out the lack of depth in the obligation.

token efforts

Implies that the commitments are minimal and insufficient.

meaningless assurances

Highlights that the commitments provide no real security or value.

surface-level agreements

Emphasizes that the commitments are only on the surface and lack deeper engagement.

ostensible commitments

Indicates that the commitments are presented as genuine but may not be in reality.

insubstantial guarantees

Highlights the lack of significant or real backing for the guarantees.

FAQs

How can I use "cosmetic commitments" in a sentence?

You can use "cosmetic commitments" to describe actions or pledges that appear to address a problem but are ultimately superficial or insincere. For example, "The company's "cosmetic commitments" to environmental sustainability did little to reduce their carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "cosmetic commitments"?

Alternatives to "cosmetic commitments" include "superficial promises", "hollow pledges", or "insincere undertakings". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when commitments are described as "cosmetic"?

When commitments are described as "cosmetic", it suggests that they are primarily for show and lack genuine intent or substance. They may be designed to improve public perception without addressing the underlying issues.

How can you identify "cosmetic commitments"?

You can identify "cosmetic commitments" by looking for discrepancies between stated goals and actual actions, a lack of measurable progress, or a focus on public relations rather than meaningful change.