reject
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To refuse to accept, consider, or agree to something or someone.
To dismiss as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty; to discard or cast aside; to show an immune response against a transplanted organ or tissue.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'reject' implies a deliberate, often definitive, refusal. It carries a stronger negative connotation than 'refuse' or 'decline'. The noun 'reject' refers to a person or thing that has been rejected, often implying inferior quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The noun form ('a reject') is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in business/technical contexts (e.g., 'reject a hypothesis', 'reject a part on the assembly line').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] reject [NP] (The committee rejected the plan.)[NP] reject [NP] as [AdjP/NP] (They rejected him as unsuitable.)[NP] be rejected by [NP] (The proposal was rejected by management.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reject something out of hand (to dismiss immediately without consideration)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To refuse a business proposal, job application, or shipment of goods.
Academic
To dismiss a hypothesis, theory, or argument as invalid.
Everyday
To refuse an invitation, a romantic advance, or a piece of advice.
Technical
In medicine, for the body's immune response to a transplant; in manufacturing, for faulty products.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The board will reject the takeover bid.
- Her body may reject the donor kidney.
- He felt rejected when his manuscript was returned.
American English
- The FDA rejected the new drug application.
- The machine automatically rejects any defective parts.
- She rejected his apology as insincere.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. Use 'rejectingly' only in very creative writing.
- No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'in a rejecting manner'.
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form. Use 'rejectingly' only in very creative writing.
- No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'in a rejecting manner'.
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The reject pile was full of damaged goods.
- He sold reject tiles at a discount.
American English
- The reject bin is where flawed products go.
- She bought a reject sofa from the outlet store.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher rejected my messy homework.
- My phone call was rejected.
- The bank rejected my loan application.
- She rejected his offer of help.
- The committee unanimously rejected the controversial proposal.
- The court rejected the appeal due to lack of evidence.
- The journal rejected the paper on methodological grounds.
- The immune system can reject a transplanted organ if it's not a close match.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a vending machine: you put in a coin, it's examined, and if it's fake, it gets RE-JECTed (jected = thrown) back out.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION IS PHYSICAL EXPULSION / CASTING OUT (e.g., 'cast aside', 'thrown out').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'object' (возражать). 'Reject' is a stronger, more final refusal than 'refuse' (отказывать). The noun 'reject' translates as 'брак' (defective goods) or 'изгой' (social outcast).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I rejected to go.' Correct: 'I refused to go.' / 'I rejected the invitation to go.' (Reject + noun, not infinitive).
- Mispronouncing the noun form (should be REE-ject).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reject' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Reject' is stronger and more definitive, often implying the thing/person is unsuitable. 'Refuse' is a general term for saying no. 'Decline' is more polite and formal.
The verb is stressed on the second syllable: re-JECT. The noun is stressed on the first syllable: RE-ject.
Rarely. It is almost always negative for the recipient. In a technical context (e.g., 'the filter rejects impurities'), it can be neutral/positive for the system.
No. 'Reject' must be followed by a noun object. Use 'refuse to do something' or 'reject the idea/offer/invitation to do something'.