Refusal – Meaning, Usage, and Definitions Explained

Definition of Refusal

Part of speech: noun

Refusal refers to the act or instance of saying no or rejecting something that is offered, requested, or demanded. It expresses the state or action of not accepting, granting, or complying with a request.

Core Meanings

The act of refusing or expressing unwillingness to accept or do something.
The right or priority to decline or accept something before others, often referred to as the “first right of refusal.”
In engineering or construction, the complete resistance of a driven pile or object to further penetration.

Examples in Use

Her polite refusal surprised everyone at the meeting.
He was offered the position, but his refusal was immediate.
The company held the right of first refusal for the new property purchase.

“Every refusal is a choice — either to stand firm in one’s principle or to close a door to opportunity.”

Related Forms

Verb: refuse — to decline or reject.
Synonyms: rejection, denial, nonacceptance, repudiation.
Antonyms: acceptance, approval, consent, agreement.

Author’s Summary:
Refusal denotes an intentional act of saying no or rejecting an offer, emphasizing personal agency, boundary, or resistance across social and professional contexts.

Dictionary.com — 2025-11-28

Definition of Refusal

Core Meanings

Examples in Use

Related Forms

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