Meaning of Refusal
an act of saying or showing that you will not do, give or accept something
In simple words: saying no to something
Refusal in a sentence
- His refusal to cooperate with the investigators delayed the entire process.
- The company's refusal to lower its prices disappointed many customers.
- She showed a clear refusal to participate in the project due to ethical concerns.
- His refusal of the job offer was unexpected given his previous enthusiasm.
- A refusal can sometimes indicate a need to reconsider one’s priorities.
How to use Refusal
Use 'refusal' in contexts where someone is formally declining an offer or request. It's more appropriate in written or serious spoken contexts, not casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
refusal + to + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'refusal' like a 'refusal' to budge — standing firm in your decision.
Related words
Collocations with Refusal
Opposites of Refusal
Common mistakes with Refusal
- Confused with 'refuse' as a verb and 'refusal' as a noun.
- Using 'refusal' in informal situations where 'no' would be better.
- 'Refusal' might be mistakenly thought to imply anger, but it can be a polite decline.
Refusal appears in
Refusal in other languages
More words like Refusal
- Denial
- Rejection
- Decline
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
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Frequently asked questions about Refusal
What does Refusal mean?
saying no to something
What is the definition of Refusal?
an act of saying or showing that you will not do, give or accept something
How do you use Refusal in a sentence?
His refusal to cooperate with the investigators delayed the entire process.
Can you give another example of Refusal?
The company's refusal to lower its prices disappointed many customers.
What are synonyms for Refusal?
Common alternatives include denial, rejection, decline, negation.
What is the opposite of Refusal?
Opposite meanings include acceptance, agreement, approval, consent.
What words go with Refusal?
It commonly pairs with absolute, adamant, blank, be met by, be met with, accept, refusal by, refusal of, a refusal of consent, refusal on… grounds.
What are common mistakes when using Refusal?
Confused with 'refuse' as a verb and 'refusal' as a noun. Using 'refusal' in informal situations where 'no' would be better. 'Refusal' might be mistakenly thought to imply anger, but it can be a polite decline.
How do you pronounce Refusal?
US: /["/rɪˈfjuːzl/"]/, UK: /["/rɪˈfjuːzl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Refusal?
Use 'refusal' in contexts where someone is formally declining an offer or request. It's more appropriate in written or serious spoken contexts, not casual conversations.
What CEFR level is Refusal?
"Refusal" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.


