rec ‧ og ‧ ni ‧ tion S3 W2 /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ recognize ; noun : ↑ recognition ; adverb : ↑ recognizably ; adjective : ↑ recognizable ≠ ↑ unrecognizable ]
1 . [singular, uncountable] the act of realizing and accepting that something is true or important
recognition of
Don’s recognition of the importance of Suzy in his life
recognition that
There is general recognition that the study techniques of many students are weak.
formal/official recognition
official recognition of the need for jail reform
2 . [singular, uncountable] public respect and thanks for someone’s work or achievements:
He has achieved recognition and respect as a scientist.
The importance of voluntary organizations in the economy still needs to be given recognition.
in recognition of something
He was presented with a gold watch in recognition of his service to the company.
3 . [uncountable] the act of knowing someone or something because you have known or learned about them in the past:
He stared at her, but there was no sign of recognition.
change beyond/out of all recognition (=change completely)
The bakery business has changed beyond all recognition in the last 10 years.
4 . [uncountable] the act of officially accepting that an organization, government, person etc has legal or official authority
recognition of
the recognition of Latvia as an independent state
international/diplomatic recognition
the government’s failure to achieve international recognition
5 . speech recognition the ability of a computer to recognize speech:
speech recognition systems
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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ achieve recognition
Toni has been striving to achieve recognition for the past ten years.
▪ receive/be given/get recognition
Younger women artists are now getting wider recognition.
▪ win/gain recognition
The company has won recognition for its customer service.
▪ deserve recognition
They deserve recognition for the tremendous job they are doing.
■ adjectives
▪ national/international/worldwide recognition
Like many pianists, he first achieved international recognition by winning a competition.
▪ public recognition
He won public recognition for his work when he was awarded an MBE.
▪ professional recognition
My father craved professional recognition.
▪ proper recognition
Frank Norris has never received proper recognition as a great novelist.
▪ wider recognition
She deserves wider recognition.