letter of rejection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letter of rejection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal communication that informs someone that their application, proposal, or request has not been accepted. Example: "After weeks of waiting, I finally received the letter of rejection from the university I applied to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"This letter is not a letter of rejection," Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said.

The New York Times

I don't know that I will ever receive a formal letter of rejection from the Coral Gables Garden Club.

The New York Times

Especially telling is a letter of rejection from the Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies in Aldeburgh, England.

The New York Times - Arts

By the time she received the letter of rejection – saying her bachelor degree did not meet the admission requirements – she had moved to Gabon on the west coast of Africa.

Independent

A letter of rejection sent to the Renaissance applicants listed two reasons for their failure: a lack of sufficient community support and a financial plan that "left little room for error".

The New York Times

I had occasional successes, and an encouraging letter of rejection, or – dear God – an acceptance, or – good heavens – not just a free copy of "Quentin's Quarterly Gallimaufry", but a check for 20 quid, could light up my month.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Back in her Pennsylvania hometown, with her latest letters of rejection in hand — from a publishing house, from her husband seeking divorce — Connie (Adria Vitlar), an English professor and poet, is a mess.

The New York Times

Tindle also learned to work with anyone, which helped when - after 200 letters of rejection for jobs in journalism - he became a postwar dogsbody on a weekly in Croydon.

The Guardian

Homeowners who do not make their primary residence in Florida will have to provide four letters of rejection from alternate insurance providers in order to secure a policy or policy renewal from Citizens.

The New York Times

I sent out many query letters for a book idea I had and received many letters of rejection.

Huffington Post

Somewhere in my house there is a folder this thick (for those of you not sitting with me as I write, I am holding my thumb and index finger about eight inches apart) where all those letters of rejection still live and talk about me behind my back.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a formal document, clearly state the reasons for the rejection in the "letter of rejection" to maintain transparency and professionalism. Include information about future opportunities if applicable.

Common error

Avoid accusatory or overly negative language in a "letter of rejection". Instead, focus on objective criteria and maintain a respectful tone, even while delivering disappointing news.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letter of rejection" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it denoting a formal document that communicates the decision to decline an application, proposal, or request. It identifies the type of letter being conveyed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "letter of rejection" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to a formal communication that conveys a negative decision regarding an application, proposal, or request. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, wiki, and science contexts. While alternatives like "rejection notice" or "letter of denial" exist, the core meaning remains consistent across sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and professionalism, avoiding harsh language while providing informative and objective reasons for the rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejection notice

Emphasizes the formal notification aspect of the rejection.

letter of denial

Focuses on the act of denying a request or application.

notice of rejection

Highlights the act of notifying someone about the rejection.

application rejection letter

Specifically refers to a rejection related to an application.

unsuccessful application notification

More formal way of indicating the application was not successful.

letter turning down application

Emphasizes that an application has been turned down with a letter.

refusal letter

Highlights the refusal aspect of the communication.

letter of non-acceptance

A more formal and slightly indirect way of conveying rejection.

adverse decision letter

Focuses on the negative outcome of a decision.

regret letter

Conveys regret that the application could not be accepted.

FAQs

How to use "letter of rejection" in a sentence?

You can use "letter of rejection" to refer to a formal communication informing someone that their application, proposal, or request has not been accepted. For example: "After weeks of waiting, I received a "letter of rejection" from the university."

What can I say instead of "letter of rejection"?

You can use alternatives like "rejection notice", "letter of denial", or "notice of rejection" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "letter of rejection" or "rejection letter"?

Both "letter of rejection" and "rejection letter" are correct and commonly used. "Rejection letter" is slightly more concise, but "letter of rejection" is also perfectly acceptable.

What information should be included in a "letter of rejection"?

A "letter of rejection" should include a polite acknowledgment of the application or request, a clear statement of rejection, the reasons for the rejection, and a closing that maintains a respectful tone. It may also include information on future opportunities or appeals.