English Reference
verb · adjective

acknowledged

v. · adj.
US /ækˈnɑɫɪdʒd/ UK /ɐknˈɒlɪdʒd/ ac·knowl·edged

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to admit or accept that something is true or exists.

    v.to admit the existence or truth of something, often reluctantly. Transitive; frequently takes a 'that' clause or a direct object.

    Simple

    The government finally acknowledged that the new law was a mistake.

    In context

    The CEO acknowledged the validity of the shareholders' concerns during the annual meeting, promising a full review of the company's environmental policies.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.to tell someone that you have received their letter, email, or gift.

    v.to report or signal the receipt of a communication or item. Transitive; common in professional and administrative correspondence.

    Simple

    Please acknowledge this email so I know you received the files.

    In context

    The department failed to acknowledge the receipt of my application, leaving me uncertain whether the documents had arrived before the deadline.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to show that you have seen someone by waving or smiling.

    v.to show recognition of a person by a gesture or greeting.

    Simple

    She acknowledged him with a quick nod as she walked past his desk.

    In context

    Although they were rivals, the two professors acknowledged each other with a polite, if frosty, greeting in the hallway.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    adj.known by most people as being good, important, or true.

    adj.generally accepted or recognised as having a particular status or quality. Often used before a noun.

    Simple

    He is the acknowledged expert on the history of this city.

    In context

    Despite the controversy surrounding his early work, he remains the acknowledged leader in the field of quantum linguistics.

    unrecogniseddisputed

The Greens have acknowledged some changes should be made to make the NDIS work better for participants but suggested the scheme could be funded by a gas export tax.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Israeli officials have, at least on paper, acknowledged the problem.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated