acknowledgement

(noun) the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged. Synonyms: recognition, acknowledgment. Examples: "The partners were delighted with the recognition of their work." "She seems to avoid much in the way of recognition or acknowledgement of feminist work prior to her own."

(noun) a statement acknowledging something or someone. Synonyms: acknowledgment. Examples: "She must have seen him but she gave no sign of acknowledgment." "The preface contained an acknowledgment of those who had helped her."