Phrase guide

dubious honor

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The supposed honor of being selected to do a difficult or unpopular task or the supposed honor associated with receiving a questionable award.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Examples

  • "I have the dubious honor of being in charge of fundraising for roof repair on the town youth gymnasium." Meaning, it's an honor to be tasked yet something unwanted.
  • "The big league athlete had the dubious honor of being voted 'Most Difficult to Interview' by the sportswriters." An ironic honor, so to speak.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: zweifelhafte Ehre — supposed honor