Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
application declined
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "application declined" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when informing someone that their application has not been approved. Example: "We regret to inform you that your application declined due to missing documentation." Alternative expressions include "application rejected" and "application denied."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
application rejected
application turned down
request was refused
the application was unsuccessful
appeal rejected
case dismissed
objection overruled
application was unsuccessful
case closed
no intervention occurred
no response given
matter dropped
no measures implemented
no action taken
no steps taken
the investigation was dropped
the matter was closed
no measures taken
no further action taken
any measures taken
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
You may even have your application declined.
News & Media
Michael J. Novack, the clerk of the court that handled Mr. Bowman's application, declined to comment specifically on his case.
News & Media
'She felt very deflated, very angry' Jump to media player Roisin's father Tom McWilliams tells BBC News NI that she feels "humiliated" after PIP application declined.
News & Media
Its use as a photoconductor in plain-paper copiers once was a leading application but in the 1980s, the photoconductor application declined (although it was still a large end-use) as more and more copiers switched to the use of organic photoconductors.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Concentrations of hexazinone peaked at 5.30 μg L−1 at W1 on the day of herbicide application, declining to 2.9 μg L−1 by the end of the monitoring period (Fig. 4b).
The Mortgage Bankers Association's index of applications declined 5.2percentto to 868.9 from 916.1.
News & Media
Applications declined by 30percentt at Thomas Aquinas College in California.
News & Media
Unemployment applications declined 25,000, to 389,000, for the week ended Saturday, the Labor Department reported.
News & Media
The Mortgage Bankers Association's index of applications declined 11.7percentto to 685.1, in the week ended Friday.
News & Media
Meanwhile, mortgage applications declined again last week, according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
News & Media
Meanwhile, mortgage applications declined last week, according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When informing someone that their "application declined", be direct and provide clear reasons for the decision to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes.
Common error
Avoid using overly vague language when communicating that an "application declined". Always provide specific reasons for the rejection to maintain transparency and professionalism.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "application declined" typically functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It indicates that a specific application has been refused or not approved. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
25%
Science
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "application declined" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to communicate that an application has been refused. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. While the phrase is direct, it's crucial to consider the context and audience when delivering this news. Alternative phrases like ""application rejected"" or ""application denied"" can be used, but providing clear and specific reasons for the rejection is essential for maintaining transparency and professionalism. The most frequent use cases are news and media and wikis. Remember to tailor your communication to the specific situation, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
application rejected
Uses a different verb to convey the same meaning of not being approved.
application denied
Employs 'denied' as a synonym for 'declined', maintaining the overall meaning.
application not approved
Rephrases the sentence to state the lack of approval directly.
application disapproved
Uses a more formal term to indicate the application was not accepted.
application turned down
Employs a phrasal verb to express the rejection of the application.
request was refused
Changes the noun and verb while keeping the negative outcome.
the application was unsuccessful
Focuses on the lack of success of the application.
the application was not granted
Indicates that the application did not receive approval or permission.
the application met with refusal
Expresses the rejection using a different grammatical structure.
the outcome was negative
Generalizes the statement, focusing on the unfavorable result.
FAQs
What's a polite way to say "application declined"?
You can say "We regret to inform you that your application was not selected at this time" or "After careful consideration, we are unable to move forward with your application". Alternatives like "application rejected" or "application denied" can also be used, but ensure you provide a reason for the decision.
What are the common reasons for an "application declined"?
Common reasons include not meeting the minimum qualifications, insufficient documentation, a high number of qualified applicants, or issues with the background check. Always check the requirements before submitting your application to avoid these pitfalls.
How can I improve my chances after my "application declined"?
Ask for feedback on why your application was unsuccessful and address those specific points in future applications. Consider gaining more experience or qualifications that align with the requirements. Reapplying with improvements significantly increases your chances.
Is "application declined" different from "application rejected"?
While both phrases convey that the application was not accepted, "application declined" is often perceived as slightly more formal and less harsh than ""application rejected"". The choice often depends on the context and the desired tone.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested