C1noun2K

Rejection

UK /["/rɪˈdʒekʃn/"]/US /["/rɪˈdʒekʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of refusing to accept or consider something

In simple words: Not accepting something or someone.

Examples

Her proposal met with unanimous rejection.
a rejection letter *(= a letter in which you are told, for example, that you have not been accepted for a job)*
I've had letters of rejection from several publishers.
Everyone from George Orwell to JK Rowling has had **rejection slips** *(= formal notice from a publisher that a book, etc. is rejected)*.
He had a second lung transplant after rejection of the first.
painful feelings of rejection

Usage notes

Use 'rejection' in formal texts or discussions about situations where something is refused. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

rejection + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'reject' and 'eject' — both mean to throw away or push out.

Collocations

face rejection
fear of rejection
rejection letter
rejection of proposal
social rejection

Synonyms

dismissal
refusal
negation
disapproval
rebuff

Antonyms

acceptance
approval
embrace

Common mistakes

Confused with 'refusal' — 'rejection' usually refers to an idea or proposal.
Using 'rejection' without specifying what is rejected can be confusing.
Mixing up 'rejection' and 'abandonment' — they have different meanings.