a definitive rejection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive rejection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that a rejection is clear, final, and without any ambiguity. Example: "After careful consideration, the committee issued a definitive rejection of the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the stringent standards that you set for yourself makes you self-critical and self-doubting, unduly insecure — and therefore needy, fast to take the mildest criticism to heart and redouble it, to receive it as a wounding blow and a definitive rejection.

The New Yorker

If you get a definitive rejection, it may be time to start considering your next move.

Forbes

Since the high standard deviation between the independently performed experiments did not allow for a definitive rejection of the hypothesis, we additionally used the model to scrutinize this hypothesis: We altered the model by assuming that UVB radiation does not affect IKKβ dephosphorylation, but alters the internalization of IL-1R (for model equations see Additional file 1, IV).

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the case of Madeira represents a significant landmark, because it is the first time the commission, which runs the day-to-day affairs of the European Union, has permitted a country to impose such a sweeping and definitive rejection of the technology.

The New York Times

"It's a conclusive and definitive rejection of every complaint that the opponents have raised," said Tim Preso, a lawyer for the environmental group Earthjustice.

The New York Times

In Pereira Maintains – which has just been republished by Canongate – I found the definitive rejection of that position.

The Guardian - Books

Another sister has the definitive rejection of predatory males: "Thanks for asking, but I'm really not into white guys right now".

The New York Times - Books

Despite this definitive rejection, Paul didn't choose the obvious way out of the clutches of the Sanhedrin: declaration of a new religion.

Huffington Post

Giuliani's statement was the most definitive rejection yet of special counsel Robert Mueller's efforts to interview the president about any efforts to obstruct the investigation into possible coordination between his campaign and Russians.

Huffington Post

And it is a definitive, absolute disavowal, not the incoherently violent rejection of violence many saw in Unforgiven.

The Guardian - Film

While potential model biases prevent a definitive attribution of this vertical mixing underestimation to the brine rejection parameterization, it is unlikely that the latter can be applied in all conditions.

Ocean Modelling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive rejection" when you want to convey a sense of finality and certainty in the refusal of something, ensuring there is no room for misinterpretation or further negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive rejection" in contexts where a softer or more nuanced refusal is appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly harsh or inflexible. Consider alternative expressions when conveying less absolute refusals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive rejection" functions as a noun phrase, where "definitive" modifies "rejection". It describes a specific type of rejection that is final and conclusive, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a definitive rejection" is a noun phrase used to describe a clear, final, and unambiguous refusal. It is grammatically correct and, while not very common, appears primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig confirms that it emphasizes the conclusiveness of the rejection, avoiding further debate. When writing, use this phrase to convey certainty and finality, but be mindful of the potential for sounding overly harsh. Alternatives like "an absolute refusal" or "a conclusive dismissal" may be suitable in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm rejection

Highlights the strength and resoluteness of the rejection.

an absolute refusal

Emphasizes the completeness and lack of compromise in the refusal.

a conclusive dismissal

Focuses on the termination or ending of something, highlighting its finality.

a decisive refusal

Highlights the clear and determined nature of the refusal.

an unequivocal no

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the rejection.

an outright dismissal

Suggests a direct and immediate rejection without hesitation.

a categorical denial

Stresses the complete and unconditional nature of the denial.

a final turndown

Emphasizes the ultimate and unchangeable nature of the refusal.

a sweeping rejection

Indicates a broad and comprehensive refusal affecting many aspects.

an irreversible rejection

Emphasizes the inability to change or undo the rejection.

FAQs

How to use "a definitive rejection" in a sentence?

You can use "a definitive rejection" to describe a situation where something has been clearly and irrevocably refused. For example: "The proposal received "a definitive rejection" from the board."

What can I say instead of "a definitive rejection"?

You can use alternatives like "an absolute refusal", "a conclusive dismissal", or "an unequivocal no" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a definitive rejection" or "a definite rejection"?

"A definitive rejection" and "a definite rejection" are both grammatically correct, but "definitive" implies a sense of finality and authoritativeness that "definite" may lack. So the selection depends on the context.

What's the difference between "a definitive rejection" and "a strong rejection"?

"A strong rejection" indicates the intensity of the refusal, while "a definitive rejection" indicates the finality and conclusiveness of the refusal. The former emphasizes impact, and the latter emphasizes the lack of ambiguity.