acknowledgment

American  

[ak-nol-ij-muhnt] / ækˈnɒl ɪdʒ mənt /

especially British, acknowledgement

noun

1. an act of acknowledging.

2. recognition of the existence or truth of something.

   the acknowledgment of a sovereign power.

3. an expression of appreciation.

4. a thing done or given in appreciation or gratitude.

5. Law.

   1. a declaration before an official that one has executed a particular legal document.

   2. an official certificate of a formal acknowledging.

   3. public recognition by a man of an illegitimate child as his own.

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acknowledgment British  

/ əkˈnɒlɪdʒmənt /

noun

1. the act of acknowledging or state of being acknowledged

2. something done or given as an expression of thanks, as a reply to a message, etc

3. (plural) an author's statement acknowledging his use of the works of other authors, usually printed at the front of a book

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Other Word Forms

• preacknowledgement noun
• preacknowledgment noun
• reacknowledgment noun
• superacknowledgment noun

Etymology

Origin of acknowledgment

First recorded in 1585–95; acknowledge + -ment

Explanation

When you recognize or admit the truth of something, you make an acknowledgment. Your grumpy friend who never gets enough sleep? He needs to make an acknowledgment of what his late nights are doing to his mood. Other kinds of acknowledgments give credit where it's due. Research papers that quote other people's words or ideas contain acknowledgments that name the source. Publicly thanking someone is another kind of acknowledgment. Award winners at the Oscars and other ceremonies often rattle off a big list of names, acknowledgement for their contribution to the winner's success.

Example Sentences

In trying to disassociate herself from the scandal, Melania’s lack of acknowledgment of her husband’s ties to Epstein stands out as a confusing, but increasingly familiar, bit of cognitive dissonance.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

The acknowledgment underscores that despite weeks of intensive U.S. operations targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure, the threat has not been fully eliminated and continues to be a factor in the military operation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Despite being non-binding, the resolution goes beyond simple acknowledgment and asks nations involved in the slave trade to engage in restorative justice.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

And then—maybe—an acknowledgment that forgiveness is a virtue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Mvto. The acknowledgment means a lot, coming from you.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• acceptance
• admission
• affirmation
• assent
• assertion
• concession
• confession
• confirmation
• corroboration
• realization
• recognition