recognition
gb/ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/ us/ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
identifying someone or something
When you know a person, thing, or fact because you have seen or learned about it before.
Usage pattern:
[someone] gets recognition of [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'recognition' with 'realization'. 'Recognition' is about knowing something again; 'realization' is about suddenly understanding something new.
Synonyms
identification (More formal and technical; often used in official or security contexts.)
Antonyms
misidentification (The incorrect identification of someone or something.)
Collocations
facial recognition
|voice recognition
|instant recognition
|public recognition
Themes
memory
|perception
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her quick recognition of the suspect helped the police.
- Facial recognition technology is becoming more common at airports.
- He had instant recognition of the song from his childhood.
Learner examples
- I saw her face and felt recognition.
- The computer uses voice recognition to open.
- He had recognition of the place from a photo.
Noun
B1
entity
2
acknowledging achievement or contribution
When people say or show that they respect and value what someone has done.
Usage pattern:
[someone] gets recognition for [achievement]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'recognition' with 'reward'. 'Recognition' is about acknowledgment; 'reward' is about giving something in return.
Synonyms
acknowledgment (A general term for showing appreciation or admitting the existence of something.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to give attention or appreciation to someone’s work or achievements.)
Collocations
gain recognition
|seek recognition
|receive recognition
|international recognition
Themes
work
|social
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She finally got the recognition she deserved for her research.
- The charity received international recognition for its humanitarian work.
- He worked hard without seeking any recognition.
Learner examples
- She got recognition for her art.
- The team won recognition for the project.
- He wants recognition for his help.
Noun
B2
relation
3
official acceptance of authority or status
When a country or group officially accepts another as real and having power.
Usage pattern:
[entity] gives recognition to [entity]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with personal acknowledgment; here it refers to formal political acceptance.
Synonyms
acknowledgment (In political contexts, means formal acceptance of existence or legitimacy.)
Antonyms
nonrecognition (Refusal to officially accept the legitimacy of a state or authority.)
Collocations
diplomatic recognition
|official recognition
|international recognition
Themes
politics
|law
Examples
- The new government sought recognition from the United Nations.
- Diplomatic recognition was granted after months of negotiation.
- The country refused to give official recognition to the rebel group.
Learner examples
- The country got recognition from others.
- They gave official recognition to the new state.
- Our group wants recognition from the council.
Grammar
Dictionary form
recognition
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/
US/ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
re - cog - ni - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ni)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: recognition
- Plural: recognition, recognitions
Word family
Forms
recognitions
noun
Core family
recognize
verb A2
recognizable
adjective B2
Related words
recognizably
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unrecognizable
adjective
Advanced or less common
recognizability
noun
Expressions
gain recognition
1/ɡˈeɪn ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
become acknowledged for achievement
To start being known and respected for good work, skill, or success.
Examples
- Her paintings began to gain recognition after the exhibition.
- The company has gained recognition for its innovative products.
in recognition of
1/ˈɪn ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən əv/
fixed phrase
as acknowledgment for something done
Used to show that something is given or done to thank or honor someone for their work or actions.
Examples
- She received an award in recognition of her years of service.
- In recognition of his bravery, he was given a medal.
seek recognition
1/sˈik ɹˌɛkəɡnˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
try to get acknowledgment for something done
To try to get people to notice and value your work or achievements.
Examples
- He seeks recognition from his peers.
- Many artists seek recognition but struggle to find it.