nonresponse

noun

non·​re·​sponse ˌnän-ri-ˈspän(t)s 

plural nonresponses

1

: a refusal or failure to respond : lack of response

a nonresponse to a complaint

nonresponse to medical treatment

2

: an empty or unsatisfactory response

Questions to the staff brought a familiar nonresponse: Nobody could provide any information because of HIPAA.

—Paula Span

Examples of nonresponse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Real-world error includes sources of error beyond sampling error, such as nonresponse bias, coverage error, late shifts among undecided voters and error in estimating the composition of the electorate. —New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026

One study on ghosting in a hiring context—say, an employer’s nonresponse to a job applicant—found that those who were ghosted had more self-esteem than those who got personal feedback. —Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025

Despite my efforts, Hertz failed to provide the necessary documentation for months, causing my claim with Chase to close due to nonresponse. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2025

Across all three surveys, respondents who read that the attacker state denied involvement expressed less concern that a nonresponse would augur future military challenges for the United States. —Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nonresponse

• esperance
• nonchalance
• renaissance
• bons
• hans
• launce
• nonce
• sconce
• naissance
• response