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

Those discussions could factor in Tempe voters' resounding rejection of the team's proposal there last year, and public opposition to taxpayer dollars supporting sports complexes nationally. —Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 6 Apr. 2024

The rejection of the plan sends Kelly and GOP leadership back to the drawing board after nearly two years of squabbles over Kansas’ income tax structure. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2024

Like a loss in the playoffs, voter rejection of a stadium tax plan will force the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs to reevaluate their approach. —David A. Lieb, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2024

But Brando obliterated the rules of how to behave in public, rejecting the offering of stardom, and in that rejection seeming to stand for a higher calling, noble and troubled and freshly attractive. —Ty Burr, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

The rejection seemed to make Testino more aggressive, Ritchson claims. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024

An Ipsos poll last month showed the splintered parliament faces almost identical ratings — 9% approval and 85% rejection by the public. —Marcelo Rochabrun, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024

Here’s hoping for a huge drain on Lake’s bank account, followed by a resounding rejection by Arizona voters. Feb. 25, 2024 Of course, the impresario of all the destruction and duplicity — Trump — has yet to face any criminal penalties. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

O’Hara forwarded the email containing the rejection to Thompson about two hours later. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing rejection

• rejection letter
• rejection slip

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.