ask for rejection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for rejection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to decline or refuse something, such as an application or proposal. Example: "If you feel that my proposal does not meet your needs, please do not hesitate to ask for rejection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

People won't always get back to you when you ask for feedback on rejection.

WikiHow

As the Times obituary noted, when Cullum was asked, for a "Rejection Collection" questionnaire, to complete the sentence "When I'm not cartooning, I …," he wrote, "am wrestling, then showering, with my demons".

The New Yorker

Zimbardo contends that immersion in online technology means that boys never learn basic social communication skills, still less how to flirt, risk rejection or ask for a date.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So while running away from a hungry lion makes sense, refusing to ask for a raise because you fear rejection isn't exactly logical.

Huffington Post

Recently, I suggested to a client that she may want to ask for feedback after receiving a generic rejection letter following a second interview.

Huffington Post

PeopleSoft Asks For Rejection Of Oracle Bid.

Forbes

Don't ask for advice and then throw obstacles and rejection at me.

The New York Times

They don't want to ask for help, because if they do, they fear rejection or overwhelming others.

Huffington Post

The White House declined requests to explain the rejection but noted that it did ask for a 16percentt increase in the $46.8 million overall federal spending this year to track terrorist finances.

The New York Times

If you find yourself struggling through feelings of insecurity, fear of rejection, low self esteem, and any other painful emotions, ask for help.

Huffington Post

Don't take rejections personally, and it's always good to ask for feedback so you can learn and adjust".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask for rejection" when you are intentionally creating a scenario where a negative response is expected or acceptable. This is often useful in negotiation tactics or experimental situations.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for rejection" when you simply anticipate a negative response. The phrase implies a deliberate solicitation, not just an expectation. Use alternatives like "expect rejection" or "fear rejection" if you are only anticipating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for rejection" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a strategic action where someone intentionally seeks or sets up a situation to receive a negative response or refusal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for rejection" describes intentionally seeking a negative response, often as a strategic move in negotiations or experiments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not commonly encountered, understanding its precise meaning—deliberately soliciting a refusal—is crucial to using it accurately. Alternatives such as "invite a refusal" or "solicit a decline" may serve as contextual substitutes. Its use should be reserved for scenarios where prompting a 'no' is a calculated element of a larger plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request a negative response

Directly states the intention to get a negative reply.

Invite a refusal

Replaces "ask" with "invite" to emphasize the deliberate act of creating an opportunity for rejection.

Solicit a decline

Uses "solicit" to convey a formal request for a negative response.

Encourage a turndown

Similar to 'invite a refusal' but slightly stronger in urging the negative outcome.

Prompt a dismissal

Suggests causing a dismissal or rejection through one's actions.

Set up for rejection

Implies arranging circumstances that make rejection likely or inevitable.

Subtly request denial

Highlights a delicate, indirect way of seeking a no.

Make it easy to refuse

Focuses on removing obstacles to ensure a rejection can occur smoothly.

Be open to denial

Highlights the person's readiness to accept rejection

Leave room for rejection

Indicates that an environment is set up in which a refusal is an option

FAQs

How can I use "ask for rejection" in a sentence?

The phrase "ask for rejection" is used when intentionally soliciting a negative response. For example, "By proposing an outlandish initial offer, they were essentially trying to "ask for rejection", so they could negotiate from a lower point".

What does it mean to "ask for rejection"?

"Ask for rejection" means to intentionally create circumstances or make a request in a way that a negative response is likely or even desired. It's about prompting a refusal, not just receiving one.

When is it appropriate to "ask for rejection"?

It's appropriate to "ask for rejection" in strategic situations where a negative initial response can lead to a more favorable outcome, such as in negotiations, experiments, or for gathering specific feedback by presenting an intentionally flawed idea.

What can I say instead of "ask for rejection"?

You can use alternatives like "invite a refusal", "solicit a decline", or "request a negative response" depending on the context.