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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing acknowledgment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Acknowledgment of the problem by developers has been limited to a couple of reply tweets last week and one Monday afternoon saying the team is continuing to investigate.

From The Verge • Jun. 28, 2022

Acknowledgment of a like mind is what sent Brady to speak consolingly to Mahomes in the loser’s locker room two years ago after beating him in the AFC championship game, 37-31, in overtime.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2021

Acknowledgment of Liberty’s difficulties engaging on race isn’t limited to staffers and alumni of color.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 24, 2020

Acknowledgment of hip-hop’s cultural importance, however, has been slow in coming.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2018

Acknowledgment is due to the inhabitants of Washington, Newbern, and Wilmington, as well as of other places through which we passed, for the kind hospitality we received, and the generous offers made to us.

From Diary in America, Series Two by Marryat, Frederick