refusal

refusal — noun

1. When someone says or shows clearly that they will not do something, or will not

1.nounB1
Definition

When someone says or shows clearly that they will not do something, or will not accept something that is offered to them.

Example

Zola's flat refusal to join the team meeting upset the manager.

flat refusal + to-infinitive

When Sahil asked for a raise, his request met with a firm refusal.

meet with a refusal

Common collocations
  • flat refusal
  • firm refusal
  • point-blank refusal
  • polite refusal
  • outright refusal
  • stubborn refusal
  • meet with a/the refusal
  • give a refusal
  • receive a refusal
  • face a refusal
  • refusal of
  • refusal to
Synonyms
  • rejection

    More about turning down a person, application, or proposal; 'rejection' often implies a decision against something, while 'refusal' emphasises the act of saying no.

  • denial

    More formal; often used for refusing permission or access, or for contradicting a statement ('denial of a visa').

  • rebuff

    A more abrupt, dismissive refusal — implies rudeness or coldness.

Antonyms
  • acceptance

    The act of agreeing to take what is offered or to do what is asked.

  • consent

    Permission or agreement to something; more formal than 'acceptance'.

Grammar Patterns

refusal + to-infinitive

adjective + refusal

(a) refusal + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often followed by a to-infinitive that states what has been rejected. This sense is both countable (a refusal, the refusal) and uncountable (her look of refusal).

Common Mistakes

I got a refusal from the restaurant for dinner.
I got a rejection from the restaurant for dinner.
'refusal' is for a request or offer that someone turns down; 'rejection' is more natural when a person or thing is not chosen.

Word family

  • refuse
    verbB1
  • refused
    adjectiveB2
  • refusing
    verbB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe a 'no' response, but they differ in scope and tone. 'Refusal' is the most general and neutral: a person can refuse a request, an invitation, or to perform an action. 'Rejection' is more personal and often implies the person or thing itself is deemed unsuitable — you reject a job application, a romantic advance, or an idea. 'Denial' is more formal and typically relates to permissions, rights, or statements: a denial of a visa, or a denial that something happened. 'Rebuff' carries emotional weight: it is an abrupt, dismissive refusal that makes the other person feel snubbed. Practical use: 'Her refusal to attend the party upset the host' (neutral); 'His job application received a rejection within a week' (outcome-focused); 'The government's denial of the permit sparked protests' (official); 'She met his invitation with a sharp rebuff' (dismissive).

refusal ↗rejection ↗denial ↗rebuff

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • met with a refusal
  • give a refusal
  • receive a refusal
  • shake one's head in refusal

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinAnglo-FrenchMiddle English

Comes from the Anglo-French word 'refusel', meaning the act of refusing, which in turn traces back to Old French 'refuser' (to refuse). The root can be traced further to a blend of Latin 'recusare' (to make an objection against) and 'refundere' (to pour back).