Word
accreditation
Phoneticsac·cred·i·ta·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/əˌkɹɛdəˈteɪʃən/
UK/ɐkɹˌɛdɪtˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01official approval of quality
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Education Academic · Formal
n. official approval given to an organisation, like a school or hospital, to show it meets high standards.
n. the formal recognition of an institution's quality and competence by an external body, typically following a rigorous evaluation process.
“The university is seeking international accreditation for its new business school.”
“The hospital lost its accreditation after failing to meet the strict safety standards required by the national health board.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the status, and countable when referring to the specific certificate.
Teaching tip
In professional contexts, this is stronger than 'approval'; it implies a formal, technical audit has taken place.
Synonyms
02giving credentials
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of giving someone official documents to show they have a certain role or power.
n. the act of providing credentials or official status to an individual, such as a diplomat or a journalist.
“Journalists must apply for accreditation before they can enter the press gallery.”
“The embassy handled the accreditation of the new diplomatic staff, ensuring all security clearances were verified before the summit.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of media events or diplomatic missions.
Teaching tip
Explain to students that this sense is about the 'right to be present' or 'right to act' in a specific capacity.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The report also documents attempts to obstruct civil society participation in UN meetings including blocking or delaying accreditation and harassing participants on UN premises.” “Accreditation ensures programmes meet consistent national standards and cover the core content required for graduates who may later want to train as professional psychologists.” “Caring will make it harder for her to return to midwifery as she is unable to work the required number of hours a year to maintain her professional accreditation.” Etymology
First attested in 1806, from accredit + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/accreditation