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

“We want to participate in what Sam is creating,” Iger said on CNBC, with Altman, occupying an adjacent on-screen window, nodding in acknowledgment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“Expert review” appeared at a time when many authors and artists are taking AI companies to court for allegedly violating copyright law by “training” their bots on published work without acknowledgment or payment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

“Aetna continues to disagree with the DOJ’s industry-wide allegations, and this settlement should not be seen as an acknowledgment of liability,” a spokesperson for Aetna said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The eyes of Brother Zesht betrayed a subtle acknowledgment of this worry.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

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