nonresponse

noun

non·​re·​sponse ˌnän-ri-ˈspän(t)s How to pronounce nonresponse (audio)
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 In Alabama, and in many other Southern states, high coronavirus numbers meant nonresponse followup started on Aug. 11, rather than in mid-July like some other states. Ramsey Archibald | Rarchibald@al.com, al, 15 Oct. 2020 However, the bureau adapted its methodology to minimize nonresponse bias, and determined that 2016-2020 ACS data was fit to release in its standard form. Zachary Snowdon Smith, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2022 From the format of the negotiation to the Biden administration’s nonresponse to Iran’s rogue behavior to the contents of the deal itself, the White House has shown itself willing to do just about anything to reach an agreement. Carine Hajjar, National Review, 18 Feb. 2022 Noting Detroit had the lowest self-response rate in the country, Duggan also blasted the government for sending enumerators to do nonresponse follow-ups in suburbs first and not getting to Detroit until there was no time left. Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2021 His nonresponse suggested that perhaps my bitterness had seeped through. Lise Funderburg, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 However, the Biden administration's recent statements are a tepid nonresponse in light of the actions that could immediately ease the suffering of the Cuban people. Rena Kraut, Star Tribune, 20 July 2021 One specific challenge is called differential nonresponse: While a poll like The Post’s contacts a random sample of the population, different categories of people may respond at different rates. Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2021 Thus, error due to nonresponse may affect the accuracy of the poll. Chris Cillizza, CNN, 19 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonresponse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonresponse was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near nonresponse

Cite this Entry

“Nonresponse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonresponse. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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