# recommendation

/ˌɹɛkəmənˈdeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹˌɛkəmɛndˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recommendation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a suggestion or advice

noun · CEFR B1

a suggestion about the best thing to do or choose.

For teachers: a proposal or suggestion regarding the best course of action or choice.

- The doctor gave me a recommendation to eat less sugar and exercise more.
- The committee's primary recommendation was to increase the budget for research and development over the next three fiscal years.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'for' or a 'that' clause.

### 2. praise for something good

noun · CEFR B1

a statement saying that someone or something is good and should be chosen.

For teachers: an endorsement or commendation of a person, product, or service based on its quality.

- I bought this book because of my friend's strong recommendation.
- The restaurant's success is largely due to word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied local customers.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'on someone's recommendation'.

### 3. a formal letter

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a formal letter that describes your qualities and skills to a new employer or school.

For teachers: a formal document or letter of reference attesting to a person's character or qualifications.

- My professor wrote a great letter of recommendation for my university application.
- Candidates are required to submit three letters of recommendation from previous employers to be considered for the senior position.

Usage: Usually appears in the fixed phrase 'letter of recommendation'.

## Examples

- I followed your recommendation and bought the cheaper phone.
- The committee will make a formal recommendation to the board regarding the new hiring policy next week.
- Despite the consultant's strong recommendation to diversify the portfolio, the investors remained hesitant to move away from traditional real estate assets.

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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.