notable refusal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notable refusal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or remarkable act of declining or rejecting something. Example: "The committee's notable refusal to approve the proposal surprised many members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A further refusal.

BBC

Right of first refusal?

TechCrunch

At the same time, a few candidates are notable for their refusal to dodge.

The New York Times

The film is notable for its refusal to redeem her, even at the end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlike Fury Road, WIP exploitation films are notable for their refusal to treat the women prisoners as good or pure.

The Guardian - Film

The resulting trial, a tabloid sensation, was especially notable for the refusal of the prosecutors and news media to portray the killing as racially motivated.

The New Yorker

Overall "Caroline" is what "Caroline" was, befitting a work with a heroine most notable for her refusal to compromise or, to use the word of the moment, change.

The New York Times

And this history, so rich in details about the past — so alive with wonder at the golden ages of Scandinavian silents, third world militancy, Hong Kong action and Technicolor spectacle — is perhaps most notable for its refusal to be nostalgic.

The New York Times

Michael Smuin's long career in dance has been notable for his refusal to settle into a single expertly worked niche, whether classical ballet, his Tony Award-winning Broadway stints or film or television dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Later in that passage, Czesław Miłosz, winner of the Nobel prize for literature, is cited for remarking in his 1980 acceptance speech that that era was notable for "a refusal to remember"; my father notes Miłosz referencing "the shattering fact that there are now more than one hundred books in print that deny that the Holocaust ever took place".

The Guardian

Hollywood types are notable for their refusal to make judgments of others, and so you won't find any show business personalities taking on Sidibe's weight.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notable refusal" when you want to emphasize that a particular act of refusing is significant, remarkable, or stands out in some way. It adds a layer of importance to the declination.

Common error

Avoid using "notable refusal" simply as a fancier way of saying "refusal". The adjective "notable" should be reserved for situations where the refusal is genuinely noteworthy due to its consequences, context, or implications. Otherwise, a simpler term suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notable refusal" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "notable" modifies the noun "refusal". According to Ludwig, it indicates a specific instance of rejection or declination that is worthy of attention or is particularly significant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notable refusal" is a phrase used to describe a significant or remarkable instance of declining or rejecting something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance of a particular act of refusal. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific writing. It's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the refusal is truly noteworthy to warrant the added emphasis. Consider alternatives like "significant rejection" or "remarkable denial" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant rejection

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the refusal.

remarkable denial

Highlights the unusual or striking nature of the refusal.

prominent rejection

Focuses on the widespread visibility or awareness of the refusal.

conspicuous declination

Emphasizes the clear and easily noticeable act of refusing.

striking dissent

Highlights the disagreement or opposition implied by the refusal.

pronounced rejection

Emphasizes the forcefulness or clarity of the refusal.

important dissent

Highlights the importance of disagreement of the refusal.

major turndown

Indicates a significant rejection or refusal of something.

remarkable turndown

Focuses on the unusual of the refusal.

marked rejection

Emphasizes the evident of the refusal.

FAQs

How can I use "notable refusal" in a sentence?

You can use "notable refusal" to describe a significant act of declining or rejecting something. For example: "The committee's "notable refusal" to approve the proposal surprised many members."

What are some alternatives to "notable refusal"?

Alternatives include "significant rejection", "remarkable denial", or "prominent rejection", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "notable refusal" and "simple refusal"?

"Notable refusal" implies that the refusal is particularly significant or remarkable, while "simple refusal" just states the fact of refusal without adding any particular emphasis or importance.

When is it appropriate to use "notable refusal" instead of just "refusal"?

Use "notable refusal" when the act of refusing has significant consequences, stands out due to its context, or has broader implications that make it noteworthy. If the refusal is just a routine occurrence, "refusal" alone is sufficient.