# honorable mention

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/honorable-mention
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An award or recognition given to a person or thing who does not achieve a higher standing but whose performance or entry was noteworthy.

## Examples

- My painting did not win, but it got an honorable mention.
- The judges gave an honorable mention to the runner-up for their creative approach to the project.
- While the grand prize went to the lead architect, the committee included an honorable mention for the young intern whose innovative design concepts significantly improved the final structure.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.