dubious distinction

bubu   Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:49 pm GMT
Hello!!

What does the expression 'dubious distinction' mean?

Thank you in advance.
Guest   Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:59 pm GMT
What exactly are you asking? "dubious distinction" doesn't have any special meaning. It's just an adjective modifying a noun. Look up "dubious" and then "distinction" in a dictionary.
Skippy   Wed Apr 30, 2008 3:01 pm GMT
"Dubious" means doubtful and "distinction" means finding differences. What's the context?
tbd   Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:24 pm GMT
A distinction is also something bestowed as a special honor or favor, so with that meaning, and in the context of the Miami Dolphins example, a dubious distinction is an honor that's doubtful - such as being the worst team in the NFL.
Skippy   Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:51 pm GMT
No offense, Josh, but I wouldn't refer to the Dolphins' distinction in that case as being dubious... lol
bubu   Thu May 01, 2008 1:48 pm GMT
Well thank you all.

Let me write the sentence in which I found the term 'dubious distinction'.

Delhi has the dubious distinction of being the 4th polluted country in the world.

What does it mean in this context?
Damian in Edinburgh   Thu May 01, 2008 2:17 pm GMT
Having the dubious distinction of....whatever.... It usually means being renowned for something which is less than desirable for whatever reason.