rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
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

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 The bill’s rejection has been seen as a disappointment for Black hair advocates in the state, with some feeling pushed aside by the leadership. Melissa Noel, Essence, 11 Mar. 2024 That a film so otherwise artistically accomplished, so meticulously detailed in its rejection of unfounded media narratives, can so quickly and easily fall prey to them in the heat of a visceral emotional response, is nothing if not illuminating about how none of us are immune. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024 European regulators signaled Apple's rejection of Epic's effort to set up an iPhones app developer account in Europe, based in Sweden, might run afoul of the DMA, raising the specter of potentially a substantial fine. Michael Liedtke, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Short-term rental owners can appeal city rejections, nonrenewals or suspensions of licenses. Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Widespread public dissatisfaction with the military has not been seen since the fateful elections of 1970, in which voters signaled their rejection of the military with a historically high turnout of 63 percent in Pakistan’s first direct elections since independence. Sarah Khan, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2024 Newsom has resisted calls from district attorneys, mayors and police chiefs to modify Prop. 47, as have many voters, as reflected in the 2020 rejection of a previous initiative to alter Prop. 47. Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 But, too much enthusiasm too soon can be perceived as a turn-off, leading us to adopt a facade of indifference to protect ourselves from potential rejection. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Publisher responses span from full embrace to outright rejection over authenticity concerns. Anat (anne Moss) El Hashahar, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rejection.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rejection was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rejection

Cite this Entry

“Rejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejection. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rejection

noun
re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
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 How to pronounce rejection (audio)
1
: the action of rejecting or the state of being rejected
feelings of rejection
rejection of the atypical child by the … groupG. 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 How to pronounce rejection (audio)
: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejection

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