Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

recognition

 - definition
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: recognition /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the ability to recognize a person or thing

    She looked at me without a flicker of recognition in her eyes.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  recognitionThesaurus entry for this meaning of recognition
  2. 2
    [singular/uncountable] praise, respect, or admiration

    His work has never gained the international recognition it deserves.

    in recognition of something:

    She was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her work in the community.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  recognitionThesaurus entry for this meaning of recognition
  3. 3
    [singular/uncountable] agreement that something is true or important

    We want official recognition of the need for affordable childcare.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  recognitionThesaurus entry for this meaning of recognition
    1. a.
      official agreement that a country or organization exists
      recognition of:

      Recognition of Bosnia marked a new stage in the breakup of Yugoslavia.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  recognitionThesaurus entry for this meaning of recognition

phrases

This is the American English definition of recognition. View British English definition of recognition.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day Word of the Day

zeugma

the use of a word twice in the same sentence but with different meanings. The sentence ‘She...

Open Dictionary

conflict mineral

a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog