distinguished career

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "distinguished career" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an individual's professional accomplishments that have been recognized and respected in their field. For example, "John Smith has had an illustrious and distinguished career in engineering for more than 25 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Distinguished career as an architect.

The New York Times

Distinguished career at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California.

The New York Times

Distinguished career as an attorney with NYC Dept. of Investigation.

The New York Times

Senator George Mitchell has had a long and distinguished career.

Harvard University

Mitchell has had a long and distinguished career.

Yale University

"Fiona Woolf has had a long and distinguished career.

BBC

Jim had a distinguished career in advertising.

The New York Times

Madia has had a distinguished career.

The New Yorker

Williams once had a distinguished career.

The Guardian - Opinion

By then, it was a distinguished career.

The New York Times - Books

One will be remembered for toughness during a distinguished career.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional life, use "distinguished career" to highlight significant achievements, recognition, and respect earned over time.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguished career" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's more appropriate for formal settings like professional biographies, obituaries, or official announcements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguished career" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "distinguished" modifies the noun "career". It typically serves to describe the nature and quality of someone's professional path, highlighting its merits. Ludwig confirms that it is correct to describe professional achievements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguished career" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's professional accomplishments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for highlighting significant achievements and recognition earned over time. Its usage is most frequent in news media and academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, use this phrase to convey admiration and respect for someone's contributions to their field. Alternatives like "illustrious career" or "remarkable career" can be used to add nuanced meaning, but avoid using "distinguished career" in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illustrious career

Replaces "distinguished" with a synonym emphasizing fame and glory.

remarkable career

Focuses on the exceptional and noteworthy aspects of the career.

notable career

Highlights the career's prominence and recognition.

outstanding career

Emphasizes the superior quality and achievements of the career.

successful career

Focuses on the positive outcomes and accomplishments of the career.

esteemed career

Highlights the respect and admiration associated with the career.

prominent career

Emphasizes the career's visibility and influence.

accomplished career

Highlights the significant achievements and skills developed during the career.

venerable career

Suggests a career marked by age, wisdom, and respect.

celebrated career

Emphasizes widespread recognition and praise for the career.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguished career" in a sentence?

You can use "distinguished career" to describe someone who has achieved significant accomplishments and recognition in their field. For example, "She had a "remarkable career" as a surgeon, pioneering new techniques and saving countless lives."

What are some synonyms for "distinguished career"?

Alternatives include "illustrious career", "notable career", "outstanding career", and "successful career". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "distinguished career" or "successful career"?

"Distinguished career" emphasizes recognition, respect, and honor, while "successful career" focuses on positive outcomes and achievements. The better choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

Can "distinguished career" be used for any profession?

Yes, "distinguished career" can be used for any profession where someone has earned significant recognition and respect through their accomplishments. It is suitable for academics, artists, business leaders, and many other fields.