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

Account hopes to combat misogynistic online content Creators like Andrew Tate provide a pipeline for men seeking advice about romantic rejection, physical self-esteem and economic insecurity to fall into radicalism and misogyny. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Cronenberg’s rejection of the notion was just one of the first surprising musings from a discussion with Variety about his approach to art, including his consideration of the audience, embrace of technology and rejection of genre. —William Earl, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025

While some applicants face rejection despite checking every box—high earnings, job creation and deep integration—others secure PR through seemingly arbitrary means. —Hannah Ma, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

But not without a couple of warnings from her mother: School comes first, and rejection is inevitable. —Katie Heaney, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing rejection

• rejection letter
• rejection slip

Rhymes for rejection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

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.