acknowledgment

noun

ac·​knowl·​edg·​ment ik-ˈnä-lij-mənt How to pronounce acknowledgment (audio)
ak-
variants or acknowledgement
1
a
: the act of acknowledging something or someone
acknowledgment of a mistake
b
: recognition or favorable notice of an act or achievement
received acknowledgment for his charitable works
2
: a thing done or given in recognition of something received
an author's acknowledgments of assistance
3
law : a declaration or avowal of one's act or of a fact to give it legal validity

Examples of acknowledgment in a Sentence

They made several public acknowledgments of their company's mistake. He paid the fine without acknowledgment of his guilt. Special acknowledgments will be made at the end of the meeting. He has finally received the acknowledgment he deserves for his charitable work. They presented him with an award in acknowledgment of his charitable work. He's the first person mentioned in the book's acknowledgments. We sent an acknowledgment that we received their letter. He never received an acknowledgment of his payment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biden stated that is not an admission of guilt or acknowledgment of any wrongdoing by his family members. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 Work those colors into heart shapes or French tips, add some kiss prints, or use a glitter or matte finish to symbolize your enthusiasm or muted acknowledgment of the holiday. Allure Editors, Allure, 21 Jan. 2025 These admissions align with Zarif's acknowledgment, adding new weight to long-standing claims of Israeli sabotage. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Publicize your acknowledgment of wrongdoing in a way that feels authentic to your brand and the scale of the misstep—and, if appropriate, a bit of self-deprecating humor often helps. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for acknowledgment 

Word History

Etymology

acknowledge + -ment

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of acknowledgment was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near acknowledgment

Cite this Entry

“Acknowledgment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acknowledgment. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

acknowledgment

noun
ac·​knowl·​edg·​ment
variants also acknowledgement
1
a
: the act of acknowledging
b
: an act of acknowledging some deed or achievement
2
: something done or given in return for something received

Legal Definition

acknowledgment

noun
ac·​knowl·​edg·​ment
variants also acknowledgement
1
a
: the act of acknowledging
b
: the act of admitting paternity compare filiation
2
: a thing done or given in recognition of something received
an acknowledgment came in the mail
3
a
: a declaration or avowal of one's act or a fact to give it legal validity
specifically : a declaration before a duly qualified public officer (as a notary public) by a person who has executed an instrument that the execution was the person's free act and deed
b
: the formal certificate made by an officer before whom one has acknowledged a deed including as an essential part the signature and often the seal of the officer

More from Merriam-Webster on acknowledgment

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