refusal to adhere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refusal to adhere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is not complying with rules, guidelines, or agreements. Example: "The committee expressed concern over the refusal to adhere to the established protocols during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

We conceptualize intentional non-adherence as the patients' refusal to adhere to a specific medication regimen.

BMC Health Services Research

His own taste, which he peddles daily on The Awl, is refreshing in its refusal to adhere to the rules of the twenty-four-hour online content cycle, which favors inherent newsiness over inherent interestingness.

The New Yorker

His refusal to adhere to certain mores of the trade seems not so much a matter of principle as a gut-level horror that fills Elbaz if things do not accord with his vision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At one point, it gets stuck on repeat for days and, though the stubborn refusal to adhere to conventional, satisfying rhythms can be frustrating, the resulting unpredictability is thrilling and fitting.

The Guardian

The joke, here as throughout, is how Brookes flaunts his refusal to adhere to even the most basic conventions of a standup set, to give us anything resembling what we expect.

The Guardian

Fox Searchlight has put out a few more conventional posters for Black Swan too, although this one (left), in which everything but Portman's eyes, nose and lips is out of focus, is unusual in its own way too, with its slightly asymmetrical composition and refusal to adhere to conventional Hollywood tropes of beauty and glamour.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

While many Administration officials took Shaub's advice, Trump's refusal to voluntarily adhere to traditional conflict-of-interest rules, and Shaub's repeated fights with the White House over ethics agreements and transparency, convinced Shaub that Trump was trampling the norms that the last several Administrations voluntarily maintained.

The New Yorker

This was due to his refusal to follow orders and adhere to discipline.

Wikipedia

Part of me thinks, why do you spend any time looking back?" Such is the philosophy to which Michael Grandage claims to adhere; yet his refusal to reflect is surprising, given his golden decade at the helm of the Donmar Warehouse from 2002 to 2012, and, before that, his similarly acclaimed period running Sheffield Theatres.

Independent

Yevtushenkov adhered to the bargain, but his refusal to give up his stake in a profitable oil company, Bashneft, may have made him a target.

The Washington Post

Mr Yevtushenkov adhered to the bargain, but his refusal to give up his stake in a profitable oil company, Bashneft, may have made him a target.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refusal to adhere", clearly state what the subject is refusing to adhere to. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "adhere". The correct preposition is "to". Using other prepositions like "with" or "by" can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refusal to adhere" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a state of non-compliance or resistance to established rules or norms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refusal to adhere" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of not complying with rules, guidelines, or agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, highlighting its usage across various contexts such as news reporting, scientific studies, and formal business communications. While alternative phrases like "non-compliance" or "failure to comply" exist, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being refused and avoid incorrect preposition usage to maintain precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-adherence

More concise and general term for not following a rule or guideline.

non-compliance

Emphasizes a lack of obedience or conformity to regulations.

failure to comply

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to meet requirements.

resistance to follow

Focuses on the active opposition to a specific instruction.

disinclination to obey

Implies a lack of willingness to adhere to rules or commands.

neglect to observe

Suggests a careless or unintentional oversight.

opposition to conforming

Highlights active disagreement with established norms.

defiance of regulations

Emphasizes open resistance against legal or formal guidelines.

disregard for rules

Highlights a lack of respect or attention toward established rules.

unwillingness to abide by

Focuses on a personal lack of desire to accept or conform to a rule.

FAQs

How can I use "refusal to adhere" in a sentence?

You can use "refusal to adhere" to describe a situation where someone or something is not complying with rules, guidelines, or agreements. For example: "The company's "refusal to adhere" to safety regulations resulted in a significant fine."

What are some alternatives to "refusal to adhere"?

Some alternatives include "non-adherence", "non-compliance", or "failure to comply". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "refusal to adhere to" or "refusal of adhering to"?

"Refusal to adhere to" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. "Refusal of adhering to" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "refusal to adhere" and "failure to adhere"?

"Refusal to adhere" implies a deliberate choice not to comply, while "failure to adhere" might suggest an inability or unintentional oversight. The nuance depends on the context.