dubious honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious honor" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or achievement that is perceived as negative or undesirable, despite technically being an honor. Example: Despite his best efforts, John was given the dubious honor of being named the least productive employee of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or could that dubious honor go to Google itself?

The New York Times

Still, the dubious honor of record arms sales certainly goes to the Obama administration.

The Guardian

And Staten Island Mall took home the dubious honor of the city's single most-ticketed location.

The New York Times

Now it is Al Gore's turn to bear the burden, or dubious honor.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I guess I have the dubious honor of having a little bit of a script here".

The New Yorker

Since 1999, that dubious honor has been doled out each day at annual climate talks.

The New York Times - Science

That dubious honor belongs to Northern California, in San Jose and San Francisco.

The New York Times

It even garnered the dubious honor of a Rob Pruitt Art Award for alternative project of the year.

The New York Times - Arts

Last year, the winners won absolutely nothing except the dubious honor of being mentioned in the column.

The New York Times

San Francisco has the dubious honor of having the highest rate among big cities for accidents involving pedestrians and cars.

The New York Times

Rivera, who has announced he will retire after the season, has already received one dubious honor at Fenway Park.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dubious honor" when you want to express irony or sarcasm about an achievement or recognition that is perceived negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "dubious honor" in situations where you genuinely want to praise someone. The phrase always carries a negative connotation, so using it inappropriately can be offensive or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious honor" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dubious" modifies the noun "honor". This creates an oxymoronic effect, suggesting the 'honor' is not genuinely desirable. Ludwig AI indicates this is a commonly used and correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dubious honor" is a commonly used expression to describe an achievement or recognition that is, in reality, unwanted or ironic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in journalistic and academic settings. It effectively conveys sarcasm or criticism by juxtaposing the positive connotation of "honor" with the negativity of "dubious". When employing this phrase, it's crucial to understand and convey the intended irony; otherwise, misinterpretations can arise. Alternatives like "questionable distinction" or "backhanded compliment" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context. Ultimately, "dubious honor" serves as a powerful tool for expressing skepticism about seemingly positive events or accolades.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious distinction

Similar meaning, but 'distinction' highlights the act of singling something out.

dubious achievement

Focuses on the problematic nature of the accomplishment itself.

questionable distinction

Focuses on the lack of merit or value in the achievement.

dubious reward

Suggests that the reward itself is not as desirable as it seems.

tainted award

Suggests the award or 'honor' is compromised or corrupted.

hollow accolade

Suggests the 'honor' is meaningless or without genuine worth.

empty praise

Emphasizes the insincerity or lack of substance behind the 'honor'.

backhanded compliment

Implies the 'honor' is actually an insult disguised as praise.

cold comfort

Highlights the lack of satisfaction or consolation provided by the 'honor'.

pyrrhic victory

Focuses on the high cost or losses associated with the 'victory'.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious honor" to describe an achievement or situation that is technically an honor but is perceived as undesirable or negative. For example, "He received the "dubious honor" of being named the worst player on the team".

What are some alternatives to "dubious honor"?

Alternatives include "questionable distinction", "dubious distinction", or "backhanded compliment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dubious honor" in formal writing?

Yes, "dubious honor" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news articles or academic papers, to express irony or a critical perspective.

What's the difference between "dubious honor" and "honor"?

"Honor" implies genuine respect and admiration, while "dubious honor" implies that the 'honor' is actually unwanted, ironic, or of questionable value. It highlights the negative aspects associated with a seemingly positive recognition.