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refusal

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /rɪˈfjuːzəl/

refusal means: The act of saying no to a request, offer, invitation, or instruction.

noun

SAYING NOB2

The act of saying no to a request, offer, invitation, or instruction.

  • His answer was a firm refusal.
  • She explained her refusal to attend the meeting.
  • The invitation received several polite refusals.

How to use it: refusal to do something (His refusal to answer surprised us.); refusal of something (Her refusal of the offer was unexpected.)

Similar words: rejection

Opposites: acceptance

Common phrases: polite refusal, firm refusal, refusal to cooperate

UNWILLINGNESSB2

An unwillingness to do something, shown through words or behavior.

  • His refusal to help was obvious.
  • Her refusal to participate continued throughout the lesson.
  • The child’s silent refusal to eat worried his parents.

How to use it: refusal to do something (Her refusal to move delayed everyone.)

Similar words: unwillingness

Opposites: willingness

Common phrases: refusal to participate, stubborn refusal, refusal to work

Questions about refusal

What does refusal mean?

The act of saying no to a request, offer, invitation, or instruction.

What is refusal in other languages?

Türkçe: ret · Español: negativa · Français: refus · Deutsch: Ablehnung · Italiano: rifiuto · 日本語: 拒否

How do you pronounce refusal?

It is pronounced /rɪˈfjuːzəl/.

How do you use refusal in a sentence?

His answer was a firm refusal. She explained her refusal to attend the meeting.

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refusal in other languages

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