B2nounsocietylaw
US/rɪˈfjuː.zəl/
UK/rɪˈfjuː.zəl/
the act of saying no to something, such as a request or an offer
In context
His refusal to apologize made the argument much worse.
The bank's refusal of our loan application surprised us.
She was fired after repeated refusals to follow the safety rules.
Words that go with refusal
adjective + noun
- flat refusalHe met our request with a flat refusal.
- outright refusalThe outright refusal shocked the negotiators.
- polite refusalShe wrote a polite refusal and thanked them.
noun + preposition
- refusal to cooperateTheir refusal to cooperate slowed the investigation.
- refusal of permissionThe refusal of permission was a serious blow.
verb + preposition
- meet with refusalEvery proposal met with refusal.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
his refusal for the offerCorrect: his refusal of the offer