The Village Idiom

honorable mention

Honorable mention: An acknowledgement or recognition given to someone or something that did not win a competition but is still worthy of praise or attention.

Filed under H

In a sentence

  • She received an honorable mention in the art competition for her stunning sculpture.
  • Although she didn't win the race, she was given an honorable mention for her exceptional effort and sportsmanship.
  • The author's book received an honorable mention in the prestigious literary awards.

Where it comes from and how it is used

An honorable mention is a special recognition given to individuals or works that have not won a competition, but have shown exceptional skill, talent, or effort. The concept of honorable mention originated from the idea of acknowledging individuals who made significant contributions, but were not awarded top honors. In competitions, it serves as a way to give participants some level of recognition and praise for their notable performance.

An honorable mention is widely used in various fields, such as sports, arts, academics, and more. It can be found in competitions ranging from writing contests to science fairs, from art exhibitions to sports tournaments. Even though it does not signify winning, an honorable mention signifies that the recipient stood out among the other participants in some way.

Receiving an honorable mention is a form of encouragement and validation for the efforts made. It acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and talent of the recipient, even if they did not achieve the ultimate goal of winning. It can provide individuals with a sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue honing their skills and striving for excellence.

An honorable mention is definitely an achievement in itself. It showcases that the recipient's performance or work was worthy of special recognition and attention. However, it is important to note that it is not the same as winning or being the best. While an honorable mention highlights notable performance, it falls short of being the top choice.

In addition to "good job", there is another related idiom called "great job". "Great job" is a way to offer even more praise and admiration for someone's exceptional effort or performance. It signifies that the recipient's work exceeded expectations and deserves special recognition.

Lastly, there is the idiom "badge of honor". "Badge of honor" refers to a distinction or recognition that is worn proudly. It can be seen as a metaphorical badge that represents the recognition and pride associated with receiving an honorable mention. It symbolizes the recipient's notable performance and their commitment to excellence.

An honorable mention is a commendation or recognition given to individuals or works that did not win a competition but are deserving of special mention or attention. It is a way to acknowledge notable performance, skill, talent, or effort. An honorable mention can serve as a source of encouragement and motivation, propelling individuals to reach for greater heights in their respective fields. Along with related idioms like "good job", "great job", "hats off", and "badge of honor", it highlights the importance of recognizing efforts and talent, even if they did not result in ultimate victory.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.