What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kudo
Example
She received kudos from her boss for completing the project ahead of schedule. [kudos: noun]
Example
I want to give kudos to my team for their excellent work on this project. [kudos: plural noun]
accolade
Example
He received the highest accolade in his field for his groundbreaking research. [accolade: noun]
Example
The company's success was due to the hard work and dedication of its employees, who deserved the accolades they received. [accolades: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kudo is less common than accolade in everyday language, but is still widely used in American English. Accolade is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kudo and accolade?
Accolade is generally considered more formal than kudo, and is often used in official or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.