dubious accomplishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious accomplishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an achievement that is questionable or not entirely credible, often implying that the accomplishment may not be as impressive as it seems. Example: "Winning the contest was a dubious accomplishment, as many participants felt the judging criteria were unfair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Today, constructing the world's tallest building is a dubious accomplishment, like making the world's longest salami.

The New York Times

The 1961 Dodgers, one of only four teams in 139 full seasons to pull off that simultaneously impressive and dubious accomplishment.

The New York Times - Sports

The proof comes via "H8R," a series that arrives on Wednesday night on CW and features celebrities of dubious accomplishment and those who hate them.

The New York Times - Arts

"But if the cost is air we can't breathe or that we've paved over the whole country, it's a rather dubious accomplishment".

The New York Times

This week, former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel achieved a rather dubious accomplishment: he became the first nominee for Secretary of Defense to be filibustered by the United States Senate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The deportation record is "a dubious accomplishment," Noorani said in a statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is hard to argue with Zito's logic when you consider the trainer has stopped two Triple Crown bids with colts whose dubious accomplishments led to long odds.

The New York Times - Sports

From her Russian-Jewish parents' point of view, their daughter's bitter victory is only the last in a long line of dubious accomplishments, which include her rejection of their Communist ideals (Mama, why did Stalin sign the pact with Hitler?), her sexual adventures beyond the pale, her refusal to produce a grandchild, and her eccentric writing career.

The New Yorker

The Iraqi dictator, notorious for nerve-gassing Kurdish villages, among other dubious accomplishments, has denied any mass-destruction weapons are being created.

Forbes

Under normal circumstances, Brown's ties to the public sector, his fickle nature and his dubious accomplishments would spell political doom.

Forbes

On the wane are "greenwashing" campaigns in which corporations promote dubious environmental accomplishments to draw attention away from environmentally damaging practices.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dubious accomplishment" to introduce a contrasting point or to set up a critical analysis of an apparent success.

Common error

While acceptable, "dubious accomplishment" can sound sarcastic or dismissive. In very formal or academic writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "questionable achievement" or "problematic success" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious accomplishment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "accomplishment". It acts as a subject complement, direct object, or appositive, depending on the sentence structure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious accomplishment" is used to describe an achievement that is questionable, problematic, or not entirely positive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show its frequent use in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and relatively common, it's important to be mindful of the tone and context when using this phrase, as it can sometimes sound sarcastic or dismissive. Alternatives like "questionable achievement" or "doubtful achievement" may be more suitable for formal settings. The phrase is useful for expressing skepticism or disapproval regarding an achievement, suggesting it may not be as commendable as it initially appears.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable achievement

Replaces 'dubious' with 'questionable', maintaining the implication of doubt surrounding the accomplishment.

doubtful achievement

Substitutes 'dubious' with 'doubtful', emphasizing the uncertainty about the value of the accomplishment.

dubious feat

Replaces "accomplishment" with "feat", suggesting an act of skill or daring that is nevertheless questionable.

problematic achievement

Highlights the issues and difficulties associated with the achievement.

tainted success

Emphasizes that the success is marred by something negative, making it less desirable.

hollow victory

Highlights the lack of substance or satisfaction in the victory, implying it's not a true accomplishment.

empty triumph

Similar to 'hollow victory', this phrase suggests a victory devoid of real meaning or value.

pyrrhic victory

Refers to a victory that comes at such a great cost that it is almost equivalent to defeat.

tenuous success

Indicates that the success is fragile and not firmly established or guaranteed.

mixed blessing

Suggests that something that appears to be good also has negative aspects, complicating its status as a pure accomplishment.

FAQs

How can I use "dubious accomplishment" in a sentence?

You can use "dubious accomplishment" to describe a situation where something that appears to be an achievement is actually questionable or problematic. For example, "Winning the election through voter suppression is a "dubious accomplishment"."

What are some alternatives to "dubious accomplishment"?

Some alternatives include "questionable achievement", "doubtful achievement", or "hollow victory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes an accomplishment "dubious"?

An accomplishment becomes "dubious" when it is achieved through questionable means, has negative consequences, or lacks genuine merit. It implies that the achievement is not entirely positive or praiseworthy.

Is "dubious accomplishment" a formal or informal expression?

"Dubious accomplishment" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone. In highly formal settings, more neutral synonyms like "questionable achievement" might be preferred.