refuse to cooperate

USAGE SUMMARY

"refuse to cooperate" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "The manager refused to cooperate with the other team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They will refuse to cooperate.

The New York Times

Is it ethical to refuse to cooperate?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mentions certain members of the Curia who refuse to cooperate.

The New Yorker

He would probably refuse to cooperate with court-appointed lawyers.

The New York Times

Tax evaders who refuse to cooperate will be publicly named.

The Guardian - Business

So far, OPEC's competitors, in particular Russia, refuse to cooperate.

The New York Times

"Don't care so much about bipartisanship if the Republicans continue to refuse to cooperate," he advised.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That's what happens when you refuse to cooperate," they were told.

The Guardian

"If other countries refuse to cooperate and compromise, we cannot compel a result," Mr. Zoellick said.

The New York Times

He predicted many other countries would also refuse to cooperate because of its intrusiveness.

The New York Times

"No agreement can bind the victim to refuse to cooperate with the authorities," Professor Gillers said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and tailor the tone accordingly. In formal settings, use more diplomatic language such as "decline to collaborate".

Common error

While "refuse to cooperate" is widely understood, it can sound overly harsh in casual conversation. Opt for milder alternatives like "not willing to help" or "prefer not to get involved" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to cooperate" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It expresses the action of declining to work jointly or assist in a common endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuse to cooperate" is a commonly used verbal phrase that expresses an unwillingness to participate in a collaborative effort. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While frequently found in news and media, it's suitable for various contexts, though consider alternatives like "decline to assist" in more informal settings. Remember to clearly define the scope of non-cooperation to avoid ambiguity. When communicating this refusal, be mindful of your audience and adjust your tone accordingly. It is often used to express dissent or disagreement, and the choice of this phrase can carry significant weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be uncooperative

Describes a general attitude of resistance to collaboration.

decline to collaborate

Emphasizes a formal rejection of working together.

withhold cooperation

Highlights the act of holding back assistance or support.

fail to collaborate

Highlights the failure to work together, possibly due to negligence.

decline to assist

Focuses specifically on refusing to provide help.

resist collaboration

Emphasizes active opposition to working together.

not willing to participate

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm for involvement.

not engage

Focuses on a refusal to participate or interact.

obstruct progress

Emphasizes the hindering of advancement due to a lack of cooperation.

stonewall negotiations

Implies obstruction and lack of transparency in discussions.

FAQs

What does "refuse to cooperate" mean?

The phrase "refuse to cooperate" means to decline working with someone or assisting in a task. It suggests a deliberate decision to not participate in a collaborative effort.

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

You can use "refuse to cooperate" in a sentence like: "The witness "refused to cooperate" with the police investigation" or "Several countries "refuse to cooperate" on climate change initiatives".

What are some alternatives to "refuse to cooperate"?

Some alternatives to "refuse to cooperate" include "decline to assist", "withhold cooperation", or "fail to collaborate". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it ever acceptable to "refuse to cooperate"?

Whether it's acceptable to "refuse to cooperate" depends on the situation. There may be ethical, legal, or personal reasons for declining to participate in a collaborative effort.