refusal to cooperate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refusal to cooperate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is not willing to work together or assist in a particular situation. Example: "The investigation was hindered by the suspect's refusal to cooperate with the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The military's refusal to cooperate in the investigations underlines the ascendance of military power in Thailand.

The New York Times

The investigation was stymied in part by the woman's initial refusal to cooperate, academy officials said.

The New York Times

And a classic Catch-22: "Refusal to cooperate," the guide says, is a Qaeda resistance technique.

The New York Times

Mr. Bloede's refusal to cooperate was first reported yesterday in Newsday.

The New York Times

Later that year, the United States and Britain bombed Iraq because of its refusal to cooperate.

The New York Times

Judge Haqiq said he viewed "with great sadness" the election commissions' refusal to cooperate with the court.

The New York Times

"It's not just on disarmament issues," a diplomat said of the Iraqis' refusal to cooperate, even in their own interest.

The New York Times

It was his refusal to cooperate in a political struggle, Mr. Lai said, that led prosecutors to go after him.

The New York Times

Ms. White said yesterday that Mr. Aretakis's refusal to cooperate had extended the time and cost of the investigation.

The New York Times

Officers who arrested Mr. Legere after the shootings also testified yesterday, portraying a refusal to cooperate with the police.

The New York Times

The White House warned that a new round of sanctions was likely in the wake of Iran's refusal to cooperate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "refusal to cooperate", ensure the context clearly indicates who is refusing to cooperate and what they are refusing to cooperate with. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "refusal to cooperate" in overly general terms. Always provide context about the specific action or entity the subject is refusing to cooperate with, or the phrase may lack impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refusal to cooperate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the act of not complying or working together. Ludwig AI supports the correctness and usability of this expression in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refusal to cooperate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting a lack of willingness to work together. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase serves to describe non-compliance or resistance. For enhanced clarity, it's best practice to specify who or what is being refused. Alternatives like "non-compliance" can be used for a more formal tone. Overall, understanding the nuances of "refusal to cooperate" allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

Emphasizes a failure to adhere to rules or requests. It's more formal and often used in legal or regulatory contexts.

unwillingness to collaborate

Highlights the lack of desire to work together, focusing on the volitional aspect.

lack of collaboration

Focuses on the absence of a cooperative effort, without necessarily implying a deliberate refusal.

resistance to teamwork

Specifically points to opposition towards working in a team setting.

opposition to partnership

Implies an active stance against forming a partnership or alliance.

defiance of cooperation

Suggests a deliberate and overt rejection of cooperative efforts. It's stronger and more confrontational.

rejection of collaboration

Emphasizes the act of turning down or dismissing an opportunity for collaboration.

inability to coordinate

Focuses on the lack of capacity or skill to work together effectively, rather than a refusal.

failure to engage

Highlights a lack of participation or involvement, often implying a passive form of non-cooperation.

avoidance of joint effort

Implies a deliberate attempt to steer clear of any collaborative undertaking.

FAQs

What does "refusal to cooperate" mean?

The phrase "refusal to cooperate" signifies a lack of willingness to work together, assist, or comply with requests or demands. It implies a conscious decision not to participate in a joint effort.

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

You might say, "The investigation was hindered by the witness's refusal to cooperate." This indicates that the witness's unwillingness to assist impeded the investigation's progress.

What are some alternatives to "refusal to cooperate"?

You can use alternatives such as "non-compliance", "unwillingness to collaborate", or "lack of collaboration" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "refusal to cooperate" and "failure to cooperate"?

"Refusal to cooperate" implies a deliberate choice not to participate, while "failure to cooperate" might suggest an inability or unintentional lack of participation. The former is volitional, the latter may not be.