refusal

[ ri-fyoo-zuhl ]

/ rɪˈfyu zəl /

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See synonyms for refusal on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act or instance of refusing.

priority in refusing or taking something; option.

complete resistance of a driven pile to further driving.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of refusal

First recorded in 1425–75, refusal is from the late Middle English word refusell.See refuse¹, -al²

OTHER WORDS FROM refusal

pre·re·fus·al, noun

Words nearby refusal

refulgent, refund, refund annuity, refurb, refurbish, refusal, refuse, refusenik, refutable, refutation, refutative

How to use refusal in a sentence

My parents, who had divorced a few years earlier, felt hopeless, unable to rein in my constant verbal and physical outbursts and my refusal to go to class.
Traditional school isn’t always the way to go, and I wish my parents had seen that earlier|Kenneth R. Rosen|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
Republicans will be held accountable for their refusal to stand up for democracy and for the security of their own colleagues.
Republicans can run from accountability, but they can’t hide|Jennifer Rubin|February 5, 2021|Washington Post
When informed of this, the “investigator accepted the refusal without question,” according to GAO records.
All a Gig-Economy Pioneer Had to Do Was “Politely Disagree” It Was Violating Federal Law and the Labor Department Walked Away|by Ken Armstrong, Justin Elliott and Ariana Tobin|January 22, 2021|ProPublica
This means that high refusal rates could jeopardize achieving population immunity even under ideal conditions, and may be even higher in reality.
What does it take to convince people to get vaccinated?|By Matt Motta/The Conversation|January 20, 2021|Popular-Science

The rule, pushed by Comptroller Brian Brooks, had been encouraged by some Republicans frustrated by banks’ refusal to lend to certain types of businesses, such as gun manufacturers and oil and gas companies.
U.S. regulator finalizes rule banning banks from refusing loans to some business sectors||January 14, 2021|Washington Post
He was pinned to the cement for his refusal to go along with an arrest for selling loose cigarettes.
The Wildly Peaceful, Human, Almost Boring, Ultimately Great New York City Protests for Eric Garner|Mike Barnicle|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the fun of reading Lennon is in his outright refusal to conform to expectations.
This Weeks Hot Reads: November 3, 2014|Nicholas Mancusi|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The alliance between America and rebel forces has been strained by the U.S. refusal to directly attack the Assad regime.
Al Qaeda Makes a Play for the U.S. Allies the War Against ISIS Depends On|Jacob Siegel|September 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Their refusal leads the officer to shoot one of the boys to death.
A Brief History of the Phrase 'F*ck the Police'|Rich Goldstein|August 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The refusal to compromise is a watchword of their candidates who wear it as a badge of pride.
The Tea Party Isn’t a Political Movement, It’s a Religious One|Jack Schwartz|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ripperda accompanied this unexpected refusal, with a laboured epistle to his imperial friend.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
He called upon the Order to show their title-deeds, but was met with a contemptuous refusal.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Insurrectionary movements at Rome in consequence of the pope's refusal to declare war against Austria.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
Such a refusal would lead to quick enquiry—enquiry to information—information to want of confidence and speedy ruin.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Edna and her father had a warm, and almost violent dispute upon the subject of her refusal to attend her sister's wedding.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin

British Dictionary definitions for refusal

refusal

/ (rɪˈfjuːzəl) /

noun

the act or an instance of refusing

the opportunity to reject or accept; option

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

refusal

Origin of refusal

OTHER WORDS FROM refusal

Words nearby refusal

Words related to refusal

How to use refusal in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for refusal