nominal commitment

[ˈnɑːmɪnəl kəˈmɪtmənt]
nounpl: nominal commitments
compromisso nominal
1. A commitment that exists in name only; a promise or obligation that is superficial, minimal, or lacking genuine substance or effort
The company made only a nominal commitment to environmental sustainability without implementing real changes.
A empresa fez apenas um compromisso nominal com a sustentabilidade ambiental sem implementar mudanças reais.
2. A formal declaration of commitment that carries little practical or financial significance
His nominal commitment to the project meant he showed up to meetings but did no actual work.
Seu compromisso nominal com o projeto significava que ele comparecia às reuniões mas não fazia nenhum trabalho real.
3. A pledge or agreement that is token in nature, often made for appearance or political reasons
The government's nominal commitment to reducing poverty was criticized as merely symbolic.
O compromisso nominal do governo com a redução da pobreza foi criticado por ser meramente simbólico.
This phrase is commonly used in business, politics, and social contexts in both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese to critique insincere or half-hearted commitments. In Brazil, it frequently appears in discussions about corporate social responsibility and government policies. In the USA, it's often used in corporate settings and political commentary to indicate performative action without substantive change.
NYC Slang
all talk, no walk
Synonyms / Sinônimos
token commitmentsuperficial commitmentlip serviceempty promisehollow commitment
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine commitmentreal commitmentsubstantive commitmentserious dedicationwholehearted commitment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
compromisso nominal
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
compromisso de fachada
More colloquial expression emphasizing appearance over substance
São Paulo
compromisso nominal / compromisso apenas no papel
Both formal and colloquial variations used in business contexts
Portugal
compromisso meramente nominal / promessa vã
More formal Portuguese uses additional qualifying terms

Related Words

commitmentobligationpledgepromisededicationnominalsuperficial

Related Idioms & Phrases

all talk, no action
just for show
on paper only
lip service
empty gesture
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →