What does "acknowledgment" mean?
The act of acknowledging
Acknowledgment
/əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ.mənt/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of acknowledging
- Grammar: acknowledgment is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: recognition, abject apology, acceptance, acclaiming.
- Useful contrasts: unacknowledged, be ignored, denial.
- Usage evidence: She bowed in acknowledgment of their applause.
How to use "acknowledgment"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "acknowledgment" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "acknowledgment" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "acknowledgment" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "acknowledgment" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "acknowledgment" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "recognition" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "acknowledgment", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of acknowledging countable, uncountable
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- 2 a statement acknowledging something or someone wordnet
- 3 The act of recognizing in a particular character or relationship; recognition of existence, authority, truth, or genuineness. countable, uncountable
- 4 a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage wordnet
- 5 A reward or other expression or token of gratitude. countable, uncountable
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged wordnet
- 7 An expression of gratitude for a benefit or an obligation. countable, uncountable
"the acknowledgment of a favor"
- 8 A message from the addressee informing the originator that the originator's communication has been received and understood. countable, uncountable
"the acknowledgment of a wedding invitation"
- 9 A response (ACK) sent by a receiver to indicate successful receipt of a transmission (See Wikipedia article on transmission). countable, uncountable
- 10 A recognition as genuine or valid; an avowing or admission in legal form. countable, uncountable
"acknowledgment of a deed"
- 11 The act of a person admitting a child as their own. countable, uncountable
- 12 A formal statement or document recognizing the fulfillment or execution of a legal requirement or procedure. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"She bowed in acknowledgment of their applause."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "acknowledgment"?
Common synonyms include: recognition, abject apology, acceptance, acclaiming, acknowledgement, acknowledgments.
How do you use "acknowledgment" in a sentence?
She bowed in acknowledgment of their applause.
How do you pronounce "acknowledgment"?
Pronounced /əkˈnɒl.ɪd͡ʒ.mənt/.
Etymology
From acknowledge + -ment.