nomination

nomination — noun

1. when you officially put forward a person or thing as a candidate for a job, an a

1.nounB2
Definition

when you officially put forward a person or thing as a candidate for a job, an award, a role, or an elected position

Example

Gabriel received a nomination for Best Director at the film awards.

receive + nomination + for [award]

The committee discussed the nomination of three new members to the board.

nomination of [person] to [body]

Common collocations
  • receive a nomination
  • submit a nomination
  • announce a nomination
  • nomination for [prize/position]
  • nomination of [person]
Synonyms
  • proposal

    less formal and can apply to ideas, not just people

  • recommendation

    implies the suggester has direct knowledge of the candidate

  • candidacy

    focuses on the state of being a candidate rather than the act of being named

Antonyms
  • rejection

    the act of refusing or turning down a candidacy

Grammar Patterns

nomination + for + [position/prize]

nomination + of + [person]

Usage Note

Commonly followed by 'for' to indicate the position or prize, or 'of' to indicate the person being put forward.

Common Mistakes

I got a nomination for the manager job' (when meaning you were hired).
I received a nomination for the manager job.
'nomination' means being suggested as a candidate, not being chosen for the role.

2. the formal process by which someone is selected and assigned to a particular job

2.nounB2
Definition

the formal process by which someone is selected and assigned to a particular job or official role

Example

The president's nomination of Judge Kim to the Supreme Court surprised many people.

nomination of [person] to [institution]

After the board's nomination, Nora took up her new role as chief financial officer.

Common collocations
  • nomination as [role]
  • nomination to [institution]
  • nomination of [person] by [body]
Synonyms
  • appointment

    more direct; 'appointment' is the final decision, while 'nomination' can be a step before confirmation

  • selection

    focuses on the choosing process itself

  • designation

    more formal and often used for official titles

Antonyms
  • dismissal

    the act of removing someone from a position

Grammar Patterns

nomination + as + [role]

nomination + to + [institution]

3. the status of having been officially proposed as a candidate for a prize, a job,

3.nounB2
Definition

the status of having been officially proposed as a candidate for a prize, a job, or an election

Example

The singer was thrilled about her Grammy nomination.

[award] + nomination

News of Élise's Booker Prize nomination spread quickly through her office.

Common collocations
  • Oscar nomination
  • Grammy nomination
  • presidential nomination
  • nomination for [award/prize]
  • receive a nomination
  • celebrate a nomination
Synonyms
  • candidacy

    broader; refers to the overall period of being a candidate

  • selection

    can imply the final choice rather than being put forward

Grammar Patterns

[award/position] + nomination

receive + [award] + nomination

Usage Note

Often preceded by a specific award, position, or field name (e.g. 'Oscar nomination', 'presidential nomination'). Emphasizes the honor or recognition of being selected as a candidate.

Common Mistakes

She was happy about her nomination of the award.
She was happy about her nomination for the award.
use 'for' (not 'of') to indicate what the nomination is for.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words involve putting someone or something forward, but they differ in procedure and scope. A 'nomination' is a formal, official act within a structured process such as an election or awards ceremony. A 'proposal' is broader and less formal — it can apply to ideas, plans, or people in any setting. A 'recommendation' carries personal endorsement: the person suggesting has direct knowledge of the candidate's suitability. 'Candidacy' shifts focus from the act of being named to the ongoing status of being a candidate. For example: 'Her nomination for the prize was announced yesterday' (official step), versus 'I made a recommendation to hire her' (personal judgment), versus 'His candidacy lasted three months' (period of being a candidate).

nomination ↗proposal ↗recommendation ↗candidacy ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • submit a nomination
  • receive a nomination
  • announce nominations
  • nomination process
  • nomination deadline

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinAnglo-FrenchEnglish

From Latin 'nominatio', meaning a naming or appointing, derived from 'nominare' (to name), which comes from 'nomen' (name). The word entered English in the late 14th century through Anglo-French, originally referring to the act of naming someone to a church position. Over time it broadened to include suggesting candidates for any official role, award, or election.