categorical refusal

USAGE SUMMARY

"categorical refusal" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong and unyielding refusal to do or accept something. Example: Despite multiple attempts to persuade her, she maintained her categorical refusal to attend the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

For one thing, a kind of anti-intellectualism that has long been part and parcel of the pro-choice movement -- a categorical refusal to discuss the central question: Is the fetus a person or not?

The New York Times

"We deplore the categorical refusal by the British of Unesco's invitation to launch a mediation process over the Parthenon sculptures housed in the British Museum," the cultural minister had said.

The Guardian - Arts

In fact the wording of Liebherr's statement was some distance short of being a categorical refusal to sell and did not rule out a change of plan should the right bid be received.

Independent

It can be found in the rejection of nationalism, which has returned as a major and disastrous European malaise, and in a categorical refusal to target foreigners, immigrants or ethnic and religious groups as public scapegoats – a recipe that far-right populists thrive on.

The Guardian - Opinion

The categorical refusal by France to send troops to Iraq under any circumstances follows a declaration in an interview last week by Spain's new prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, that he would never send Spanish soldiers back to Iraq, even under the authority of the United Nations or NATO.

The New York Times

That mesmeric uncertainty has diminished slightly since the Sebald software has, as it were, been made available for free download by numerous acolytes, but a similar categorical refusal informs Ben Lerner's 10.04, "a work," as his narrator puts it, "that, like a poem, is neither fiction nor nonfiction, but a flickering between them".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This "near-categorical refusal" to approve such claims, the lawsuit says, willfully ignores medical evidence that could explain misconduct.

The New York Times

Yet Mrs. Clinton's refusal to use clear, categorical phrases — "I'm sorry" or "I made a mistake" — has created an opening for Mr. Obama and another rival, former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who has openly apologized for his identical 2002 vote.

The New York Times

Judges have rejected these arguments so far, in part because Phillips's refusal to serve Craig and Mullins was so categorical, and their conversation so brief.

The New Yorker

The indications for TAVI in the remaining cases were porcelain aorta, end-stage pulmonary disease, reduced life expectancy due to malignoma, and refusal of conventional surgery because of very high age (>80 years).> -wrap-foot> Categorical variables are presented as absolute number and percentage (in parentheses), continuous variables as mean ± SD.

Clinical Research in Cardiology

My refusal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorical refusal" when you want to emphasize a firm, unconditional rejection or denial. It conveys a sense of finality and leaves no room for negotiation or compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "categorical refusal" when a softer, more nuanced response is appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly aggressive or inflexible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorical refusal" functions as a noun phrase, where "categorical" modifies the noun "refusal", intensifying its meaning. It describes a specific type of refusal that is absolute and unconditional. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "categorical refusal" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a strong and unconditional rejection. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the situation warrants such a firm stance, as overuse can make your writing sound overly aggressive. Alternatives like "unequivocal rejection" or "absolute denial" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Remember to choose the most appropriate phrase based on the specific context and the degree of firmness you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocal rejection

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the rejection.

absolute denial

Highlights the completeness and totality of the denial.

outright rejection

Focuses on the direct and immediate nature of the refusal.

flat-out refusal

Indicates a firm and unyielding unwillingness.

total unwillingness

Emphasizes the complete absence of willingness.

complete rejection

Highlights the thoroughness of the rejection.

firm rejection

Focuses on the steadfastness and determination behind the refusal.

decisive refusal

Highlights the conclusive nature of the refusal.

unqualified refusal

Stresses that the refusal is without any conditions or exceptions.

definitive denial

Emphasizes the finality and authoritativeness of the denial.

FAQs

How to use "categorical refusal" in a sentence?

You can use "categorical refusal" to describe a situation where someone firmly and unconditionally rejects something. For instance, "The company issued a "categorical refusal" to the merger proposal."

What can I say instead of "categorical refusal"?

You can use alternatives like "unequivocal rejection", "absolute denial", or "outright rejection" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "categorical refusal" or "categoric refusal"?

"Categorical refusal" is the more common and accepted form. While "categoric" is related, ""categorical refusal"" is generally preferred when expressing a complete and unconditional rejection.

What does "categorical refusal" imply in a negotiation context?

In a negotiation context, ""categorical refusal"" signals a firm and non-negotiable stance. It indicates that the party is not willing to consider any alternatives or compromises related to the specific point of refusal.