diploma

diploma — noun

1. an official document from a school, college, or university that is given to a st

1.nounB1
Definition

an official document from a school, college, or university that is given to a student who has completed a program of study or passed all the exams needed.

Example

Renata received her diploma in graphic design after two years of study.

receive a diploma in [subject]

A diploma in nursing was awarded to Wei after he completed the three-year program.

passive: be awarded a diploma in [subject]

Common collocations
  • earn a diploma
  • receive a diploma
  • get a diploma
  • award a diploma
  • hold a diploma
  • high school diploma
  • diploma in [subject]
  • diploma program
Synonyms
  • certificate

    typically for shorter, less advanced courses; a certificate may not require as many years of study as a diploma.

  • degree

    a higher academic award from a university, usually involving longer study (3-4 years) and broader subject coverage.

  • qualification

    the broadest term; any proof that a person has met the requirements for a job, skill, or course.

Grammar Patterns

diploma + in [subject]

get/receive/earn a diploma

award + someone + a diploma

Usage Note

In many education systems, a diploma is shorter or more practical than a university degree and often focuses on a specific skill or profession. The phrase 'diploma in + subject' is very common.

Common Mistakes

She got a diploma degree in nursing.
She got a diploma in nursing.
a diploma and a degree are different types of qualification; using both together is redundant and incorrect.
He diplomas in engineering.
He has a diploma in engineering.
'diploma' is a noun, not a verb. Use 'have', 'get', or 'earn' a diploma.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A diploma is an official document proving a student has completed a course of study at a school or college, often focused on practical skills. A certificate is similar but usually awarded after a shorter course, such as a computer skills or language program. A degree is a higher academic award from a university, requiring longer study (typically three to four years) and covering a broader range of subjects. Qualification is the most general term: it can refer to any diploma, certificate, degree, or license that proves a person's ability. For example, a nurse might hold a diploma in nursing (a specific qualification), while a university graduate holds a bachelor's degree (a broader academic award).

diploma ↗certificate ↗degree ↗qualification ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • diploma in [subject]
  • high school diploma
  • diploma program

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

The word comes from Latin 'diploma', meaning 'a folded paper' or 'official document'. The Latin term came from Greek 'diploma' (δίπλωμα), which was a piece of paper folded in two. In the late 1600s, English began using it for official documents from governments or schools. By the 1800s, it was commonly used for the certificate given to students upon completion of their studies.