prepare for rejection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare for rejection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to mentally or emotionally brace themselves for the possibility of not being accepted or approved in a situation, such as applying for a job or submitting a proposal. Example: "Before you submit your application, it's important to prepare for rejection, as not every candidate will be selected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Dear CareerDoctor,I've just started applying for jobs again and have found lots of advice on interview technique, but I want to prepare for rejection and get a better understanding of why I'm not successful straight away if this happens to be the case.

Science Magazine

Always be prepare for rejection.

WikiHow

PREPARE FOR REJECTION You should have a back-up plan in case your request is rebuffed.

The New York Times

Prepare for rejection.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And I just thought, 'Oh, be prepared for rejection.' " Yet nearly everyone she invited would appear on the song, recording in studios around the world and sending tracks for Ms. Lennox and her producers to mix.

The New York Times - Arts

Our tycoons told us who helped them most in getting where there are today (fathers played big roles), the biggest business blunders they ever made (such as buying a yacht and "investing with the wrong people") and one valuable piece of advice for first-time entrepreneurs (hint: be prepared for rejection).

Forbes

5. Be prepared for rejection.

Huffington Post

That doesn't mean don't try, it means be prepared for rejection and if you do get accepted, you're rarely paid immediately after the shoot, sometimes it can take weeks before you get a paycheck for your talents.

Huffington Post

Be prepared for rejection.

WikiHow

Be confident, but prepared for rejection.

WikiHow

Be prepared for rejection and criticism.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "prepare for rejection", encourage them to focus on the process and effort they put in, rather than solely on the outcome. This can help maintain motivation and resilience.

Common error

While it's wise to "prepare for rejection", avoid letting that preparation turn into self-doubt or a self-fulfilling prophecy. Maintain a positive outlook and believe in your abilities while acknowledging potential setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare for rejection" functions as an imperative, advising someone to take action to mentally and emotionally ready themselves for the possibility of being turned down or not accepted. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prepare for rejection" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that advises someone to brace themselves for potential disapproval or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While appearing most frequently in Wiki and News & Media contexts, its neutral tone makes it versatile across different registers. When using this phrase, it's important to balance realism with optimism and provide practical advice for maintaining resilience, as doing so will allow you to keep a positive mindset. Related phrases include "brace for denial" and "steel yourself for disappointment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brace for denial

Focuses on mentally and emotionally preparing for a negative response, specifically a 'no'.

steel yourself for disappointment

Highlights the need to strengthen oneself emotionally to face potential letdown.

get ready for a negative response

Emphasizes readiness for an unfavorable reaction or reply.

anticipate a setback

Suggests expecting a temporary delay or reversal in progress.

expect disapproval

Focuses on anticipating disagreement or criticism.

be ready for a refusal

Highlights preparedness for a 'no' or denial.

foresee a negative outcome

Stresses the ability to predict a potentially unfavorable result.

ready yourself for failure

Highlights the act of accepting the possibility of not succeeding.

condition yourself for letdown

Emphasizes the psychological preparation for a disappointing event.

prepare for the worst

Suggests preparing for the most unfavorable possible scenario.

FAQs

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

You can use "prepare for rejection" to advise someone to mentally and emotionally brace themselves for the possibility of not being accepted or approved. For example: "Before you submit your proposal, it's important to "prepare for rejection", as not every proposal will be selected."

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

You can use alternatives like "brace for denial", "steel yourself for disappointment", or "get ready for a negative response" depending on the context.

Is it better to "prepare for rejection" or "expect success"?

While it's important to maintain a positive attitude, ""prepare for rejection"" allows you to manage expectations and build resilience. It doesn't negate the possibility of success, but it helps you cope if things don't go as planned. Balancing optimism with realism is key.

Why is it important to "prepare for rejection"?

Preparing for rejection helps you to maintain a positive mindset by proactively managing your expectations. Instead of being totally caught off guard if plans don't turn out as hoped, you'll be better able to respond quickly and avoid dwelling on the negative.