refusal to submit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refusal to submit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing their unwillingness to comply or yield to authority or demands. Example: "His refusal to submit to the unjust demands of the committee sparked a heated debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

§ 655.49 Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test.

Cornell University

Fidel's refusal to submit to the Americans was admired on a visceral level throughout Latin America.

The New Yorker

Yet I support the Israeli government's refusal to submit to the E.U.'s new conditions.

The New York Times

By the end, thrown off kilter by Murray's refusal to submit, he had been overwhelmed.

The Guardian - Sport

Fidel's refusal to submit to the Americans was admired on a visceral level throughout Latin America..

The New Yorker

But there's something stirring in their refusal to submit to it.

The Guardian

The settlement listed Tyson's refusal to submit to the pre-fight test as his only violation.

The New York Times - Sports

The error alleged is his refusal to submit to the jury the issue of ordinary negligence.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Employees who refused to submit to testing were disqualified for "covered service" for nine months but were entitled to hearings about their refusals to cooperate.

Britannica

He refused to submit.

The New York Times

This refusal ever to submit meekly did not endear him to the Soviet authorities, who soon identified the emerging Karpov as their poster boy instead.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "defiance" or "resistance" to add more force to your writing when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "refusal to submit" when a simple "decline" or "rejection" would suffice. "Refusal to submit" implies a power dynamic or expectation of compliance that might not always be present. For example, use "refusal to accept" rather than "refusal to submit" a gift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refusal to submit" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes the act of unwillingness to comply with a request, order, or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in legal, political, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refusal to submit" is a versatile and widely used noun phrase that describes the act of resisting or being unwilling to comply. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "non-compliance" or "defiance" can be used depending on the desired nuance, it's essential to ensure the context warrants the implication of a power dynamic or expectation of compliance when using this phrase. Using "refusal to submit" precisely and considering its connotations will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

A more general term indicating a failure or unwillingness to comply with rules or requests.

resistance to authority

Focuses specifically on opposing established power or control.

defiance

Implies a bold and open refusal to obey or conform.

opposition

Highlights the act of actively disagreeing and resisting something.

unwillingness to comply

Directly states the lack of willingness to follow rules or orders.

rejection of submission

Emphasizes the act of turning down the idea of surrendering or yielding.

insubordination

Often used in hierarchical settings to describe refusal to obey superiors.

non-acquiescence

A more formal term for not accepting or agreeing passively.

disobedience

Implies a violation of a direct command or rule.

renunciation of compliance

Expresses a formal rejection of the act of conforming.

FAQs

How to use "refusal to submit" in a sentence?

Use "refusal to submit" to describe someone's unwillingness to comply with a demand, authority, or test. For example, "His "refusal to submit" to the drug test led to his suspension."

What can I say instead of "refusal to submit"?

You can use alternatives like "non-compliance", "resistance to authority", or "defiance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refusal to submit" or "refusal of submission"?

"Refusal to submit" is more commonly used to describe the act of resisting or not complying. "Refusal of submission" is less common but could be used to describe the rejection of an offer of submission.

What's the difference between "refusal to submit" and "reluctance to submit"?

"Refusal to submit" implies a firm and decisive unwillingness to comply. "Reluctance to submit" suggests hesitation or unwillingness, but not necessarily a complete refusal.