rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən 

1

a

: the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected

b

: an immune response in which foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) is attacked by immune system components of the recipient organism

2

: something rejected

Synonyms

• contradiction
• denegation
• denial
• disallowance
• disavowal
• disclaimer
• disconfirmation
• negation
• repudiation

Examples of rejection in a Sentence

made a flat rejection of the charges against him

the judge's swift rejection of the lawyer's request for a recess

Recent Examples on the Web

His victory underscores a broad rejection of the Peronist movement, a political coalition rooted in the working class that took shape in the 1940s, as well as a desire for drastic political and economic change. —Max Klaver, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2023

The Kremlin’s rejection of a cease-fire would help Western governments maintain and tighten sanctions against Russia and help Ukraine nail down long-term military and economic support. —Richard Haass and Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2023

And the recent public back-and-forth about a temporary ceasefire—including Netanyahu’s qualified rejections of the proposal—should be considered in light of the ongoing secret negotiations over the fate of Israeli and international hostages. —Steve Coll, The New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2023

That law went into effect despite voters' rejection of a constitutional amendment that sought to do the same thing. —Rick Klein, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2023

The team also had to worry about nerve regeneration and immune rejection. —Jon Lapook, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2023

In 1920, the Nazis publicized their 25-point platform, a haphazard mixture of antisemitism, nationalism and socialism, all tied to a furious rejection of the Treaty of Versailles. —Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023

As the city continues to suffer through a historic plague of homicides this year, early voting returns suggest a rejection of the city’s most extreme politicos. —James Freeman, WSJ, 8 Nov. 2023

Brown spoke of gratitude to her family for encouraging her acting dreams, overcoming rejection, and never allowing others to box her in. —Concetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rejection

• rejection slip
• rejection letter

• rejection slip
• rejection letter

Kids Definition

rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən 

1

: the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected

2

: something rejected

3

: the process by which the immune system causes foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) to separate from and stop functioning with the tissues of the animal or human being that has received it

Medical Definition

rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən 

1

: the action of rejecting or the state of being rejected

feelings of rejection

rejection of the atypical child by the … group

—G. S. Speer

2

: an immune response in which foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) is attacked by immune system components (as antibodies, T cells, and macrophages) of the recipient organism

Legal Definition

rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən 

: the act or an instance of rejecting: as

a

: a refusal to accept an offer

b

: a refusal to accept nonconforming goods as performance of a contract

Note: Rejection and revocation are two remedies available to the buyer under the Uniform Commercial Code after the delivery of defective goods. Goods may be rejected if they do not conform to the contract. The rejection must be made within a reasonable period after delivery, before the goods have been accepted, and notice of the rejection must be given to the seller. Acceptance of the goods can be revoked if a defect substantially impairing their value to the buyer is discovered after acceptance, but such revocation must be made within a reasonable period after the buyer has discovered, or should have discovered, the defect.