acknowledgment of wrongdoing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone admits to having made a mistake or committed an error. Example: "The company's acknowledgment of wrongdoing was a crucial step in rebuilding trust with its customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A subsidiary of Sohu.com must also publish an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, the Motion Picture Association said.

The New York Times

While most settlements with the S.E.C. don't include an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, Goldman did concede a "mistake".

The New York Times

Any admission of a violation by JPMorgan could become the template for how cases will be resolved when there is a demand for an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Requiring some acknowledgment of wrongdoing by defendants is likely to result in fewer settlements and more trials, which are costly for an agency already laboring under budgetary constraints.

The New York Times

The agency wanted a $100 million fine, people briefed on the matter said, and an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, a demand that the bank balked at.

The New York Times

Like most such settlements, this one will be without an admission or denial of liability by Mr. Falcone, meaning there is no acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

My family has never heard an apology, an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing".

The New York Times

It is the company's first public acknowledgment of possible wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Mr. Riker said McDonald's agreed to pay Mr. Moss $80,000 as part of a settlement that included "no acknowledgment of any wrongdoing".

The New York Times

His lawyer in Boston, Edward Mahoney, said Monday that Dr. Levine was cooperating with investigators and that volunteering to inactive his license was "in no way an acknowledgment of any wrongdoing," that he had taken the action "in light of the serious nature of the allegations".

The New York Times

Usually, there is no explicit acknowledgment of error.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, pair "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" with specific actions taken to rectify the situation. For example: "The company issued an "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" and pledged to implement new safety protocols."

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" when a simple apology suffices. This phrase carries significant weight and implies a more formal admission of fault than a casual "I'm sorry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents the act of formally admitting fault or responsibility for an action perceived as incorrect or unethical. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" is a noun phrase used to denote the act of formally admitting fault or responsibility. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news, science, and business. Its formality makes it most suitable for professional settings. While alternatives exist, understanding the specific context and degree of culpability is crucial when choosing the most appropriate expression. The phrase sees frequent usage, particularly in authoritative news sources like The New York Times and The Economist, reinforcing its place in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admission of guilt

Focuses specifically on admitting criminal or ethical breaches.

confession of error

Emphasizes the admission of a mistake, often unintentional.

acceptance of blame

Highlights the willingness to take responsibility for negative outcomes.

recognition of fault

Stresses the awareness and acknowledgment of a mistake or defect.

avowal of responsibility

A more formal declaration of accountability.

acknowledgment of culpability

Highlights legal or moral blameworthiness.

admission of liability

Focuses on accepting legal responsibility.

expression of remorse

Highlights feelings of regret and sorrow for the misdeed.

mea culpa

Latin phrase for 'my fault', indicating an admission of personal responsibility.

contrition

Suggests sincere regret and repentance.

FAQs

What's the difference between "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" and "admission of guilt"?

"Acknowledgment of wrongdoing" is a broader term that suggests admitting to a mistake or unethical action. "Admission of guilt" specifically implies accepting responsibility for a crime or serious offense.

When is it appropriate to use "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" in a professional setting?

It is appropriate when a company or individual needs to formally address a mistake, ethical violation, or legal issue. This phrase is often used in official statements, reports, or legal documents.

What are some less formal ways to express "acknowledgment of wrongdoing"?

Less formal alternatives include "admitting fault", "taking responsibility", or simply "apologizing" depending on the severity of the situation.

Is an "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" always necessary after a mistake?

Not always. The need for an "acknowledgment of wrongdoing" depends on the severity and impact of the mistake. Minor errors might only require a simple apology, while significant violations demand a more formal and public acknowledgment.