a widespread denial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread denial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a large number of people or groups refuse to accept or acknowledge something. Example: "The scientific community faced a widespread denial of climate change despite overwhelming evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He'd begun to notice a widespread denial in the people around him.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In the last decade, hundreds of thousands of workers have been forced to migrate to neighbouring countries as a result of the widespread denial of their economic and political rights," said the deputy director of Amnesty's Asia-Pacific programme, Natalie Hill.

The Guardian

For much of the past 120 years, however, there was widespread denial that a problem existed.

The Guardian

First, there was widespread denial that there was a housing bubble.

The New York Times

They concluded that Arab nations suffer from a "freedom deficit," from pervasive gender inequality, from a weak commitment to education and from the widespread denial of human rights.

The New York Times - Books

To do the latter requires endemic, widespread denial, bolstered, perhaps, by something akin to an ego-defense strategy.

The New Yorker

The commission found that "statistical data, reinforced by credible anecdotal evidence, point to the widespread denial of voting rights".

The New York Times

However, at the university there is widespread denial about the networks of radicalisation woven into campus life.

The Guardian

What remains hidden is the widespread denial in the UK of basic human rights to many Muslim women.

The Guardian

Mr. Kostunica has also announced the appointment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which has the potential to illuminate what has happened over the past 11 years and thereby counter the widespread denial that persists among ordinary Serbs.

The New York Times

There was widespread denial in the black community for years about the spread of AIDS among African-Americans, in part because of the powerful stigmas attached to AIDS, homosexuality and IV drug use.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread denial", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being denied and by whom. For example: "There is a widespread denial of climate change by some political groups."

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread denial" without specific evidence. Overstating the extent of denial can weaken your argument. Instead, provide data or examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread denial" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a state of collective refusal or rejection. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes "a situation where a large number of people or groups refuse to accept or acknowledge something."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread denial" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where a large number of people refuse to accept or acknowledge something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts to highlight collective rejection of facts or beliefs. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context and evidence to support the claim, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives include phrases like "general disavowal" and "broad rejection". By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "a widespread denial" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general disavowal

This alternative uses a more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of denying something.

broad rejection

This phrase focuses on the act of refusing to accept something that is presented or offered.

common repudiation

This alternative refers to the rejection of something with disapproval or condemnation.

prevalent negation

This option highlights the existence of negativity about something.

extensive refusal

This emphasizes the widespread act of declining or refusing to accept something.

universal contradiction

This indicates that most people go against a particular idea or statement.

wholesale negation

This suggests a complete and total rejection of something.

mass disagreement

This option highlights that many people do not agree on a specific matter.

collective dismissal

This indicates that people are not paying attention or refuse to think seriously about a matter.

rampant disregard

This denotes a widespread lack of respect or attention towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "a widespread denial" in a sentence?

You can use "a widespread denial" to describe situations where many people refuse to acknowledge something, such as "There is "a widespread denial" of the severity of the environmental crisis".

What are some alternatives to "a widespread denial"?

Alternatives include phrases like "general disavowal", "broad rejection", or "common repudiation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a widespread denial" in formal writing?

Yes, "a widespread denial" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing social, political, or scientific issues where a significant portion of people reject a certain idea or fact. Just make sure you give context.

What's the difference between "a widespread denial" and "skepticism"?

"A widespread denial" implies a broad refusal to accept something, often despite evidence. "Skepticism" involves questioning or doubting claims, but not necessarily outright rejection. Skepticism is more nuanced and open to persuasion, while a denial is often more entrenched.