dubious honor
Questionable claim-to-fame
A dubious honor is recognition or distinction that's unwanted or embarrassing rather than flattering.
The phrase carries irony—being singled out for something you'd rather not be known for: She had the dubious honor of being the first employee fired under the new policy.
It acknowledges attention while signaling that the attention isn't welcome.
- questionableOf uncertain validity
- skepticalInclined to question claims
- ambivalentHaving contradictory feelings
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
- iffyUncertain, questionable
uncertain · suspect · mixed blessing · sardonic · backhanded compliment · left-handed compliment · controversial · tongue-in-cheek · ironic · notorious · hall of shame · mistrustful · marginal · claim to fame · ignominy · pyrrhic · tainted · undesired
dubious honorprestigious award
Respected honor for excellence
badge of honor · crowning achievement · feather in one's cap · career highlight · lifetime achievement
dubious, dubiously, dubiousness, dubiety, doubtful, doubtfully, doubtfulness, doubtless, honor