What does commissioned mean?
Commissioned is the past tense and past participle of the verb "commission," meaning to formally order, authorize, or arrange for something — typically a work of art, a building, a study, or a piece of writing — to be produced, often in exchange for payment. It can also describe the act of giving someone official authority or rank, most notably in the armed forces, where a commissioned officer holds formal command granted by a governing authority. The word carries a formal tone and appears frequently in contexts involving patronage, public art, journalism, and institutional projects: a newspaper may publish a commissioned investigation, and a city may unveil a newly commissioned statue. It also functions as an adjective describing things produced on order, such as commissioned portraits. Its opposite process is captured by "decommission," used when equipment or facilities are formally taken out of service.
Past tense and past participle of "commission" — formally ordered or authorized the making or doing of something, or conferred a rank or official role.
"The board commissioned an independent review of the company's finances."
Often followed by an object naming the work or person tasked.
Describing something that has been formally ordered or produced under commission, especially a work of art or an officer holding a formal rank.
"The gallery displayed several commissioned portraits alongside private collections."
Frequently appears attributively, as in "commissioned officer" or "commissioned artwork."
A commissioned portrait once signaled power — today the same word covers everything from naval officers to Netflix documentaries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of commissioned
Commissioned derives from the verb commission, which entered English from French "commission," itself from Medieval Latin "commissio," meaning entrusting or delegation, from Latin "committere" (to entrust, join together). The word has been part of English since at least the early modern period, developing senses around authorizing works and conferring military rank. Cognates include "commissary" and "committee," all rooted in the Latin idea of entrusting responsibility to another party.
Related word forms
How commissioned is actually used
Formal register, common in art, architecture, publishing, journalism, and military contexts. As a participial adjective it frequently appears attributively before nouns (e.g. "a commissioned survey"). In military usage it contrasts with non-commissioned ranks such as sergeant.
Easily confused with commissioned
"Commissioned" means formally ordered or appointed, while "commissary" is a noun for a store supplying food and goods.