refuses to collaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuses to collaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is unwilling to work together with others on a task or project. Example: "Despite multiple attempts to engage him in the project, he consistently refuses to collaborate with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But he refuses to collaborate with a Nazi plan to exploit the incident and risks becoming an outcast.

The Guardian - Film

me!" Ollie, a bunny who refuses to collaborate, creates a rival team called the Thunder Pets, consisting of himself and two inanimate objects: a rock and a toy frog.

The New Yorker

Platco and several dozen other well-known users are frustrated because Snapchat refuses to collaborate on fostering their stardom and moneymaking opportunities.

Los Angeles Times

To this day, the Swiss courts refuses to collaborate with the French legal system, on grounds that the information was 'stolen.' People are constantly bringing up tax secrecy during legal investigations".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Working for disability rights should be a collaborative experience, but so many of these organizations seemingly refuse to collaborate and expand.

Huffington Post

"I refused to collaborate and spy for them," he said.

The Guardian

Knight was disciplined about refusing to collaborate, but hopeless with money.

The New York Times - Arts

But he refused extra fuel and food coupons, refused to collaborate.

The Guardian - Arts

Berkman treated the gunshot wound of one perpetrator, but refused to collaborate with the FBI investigation.

Columbia University

Or refusing to collaborate, and still ending up with something you don't like?

The New York Times - Arts

I can't stop my method being used, but I can at least refuse to collaborate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where collaboration is expected or necessary, using the phrase "refuses to collaborate" can clearly indicate a barrier to progress or a breakdown in teamwork. Be sure to provide context as to the implications of this refusal.

Common error

While "refuses to collaborate" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or business writing, consider more nuanced alternatives such as "declines to cooperate" or "is unwilling to collaborate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuses to collaborate" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present tense verb ("refuses") followed by an infinitive phrase ("to collaborate"). This structure indicates a present action or state of unwillingness to work together. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refuses to collaborate" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express an unwillingness to work with others. While generally neutral in tone, it is more suitable for news reporting or general writing. In more formal contexts as highlighted by Ludwig, consider using alternatives like "declines to cooperate". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability, while offering suggestions that can enrich your writing, based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refuses to cooperate

Near identical meaning, using 'cooperate' instead of 'collaborate'.

Declines to cooperate

Formal alternative with similar meaning. Implies a polite refusal.

Unwilling to collaborate

More descriptive. Emphasizes lack of willingness.

Resists collaboration

Highlights active opposition to collaboration.

Will not work together

More straightforward and less formal.

Turns down collaboration

Informal way of saying the offer to work together has been declined.

Opposes cooperation

Indicates active disagreement, stronger than simply refusing.

Declines to participate

Indicates the subject will not take part in a collaborative activity or project.

Rejects partnership

Emphasizes rejection of a collaborative arrangement.

Refuses to engage

Emphasizes a lack of involvement or interaction.

FAQs

What does "refuses to collaborate" mean?

The phrase "refuses to collaborate" means someone is unwilling to work jointly with others on a project or task. It indicates a lack of cooperation or a rejection of teamwork.

What can I say instead of "refuses to collaborate"?

You can use alternatives like "declines to cooperate", "is unwilling to collaborate", or "will not work together" depending on the context.

Is "refuses to collaborate" formal or informal?

The phrase "refuses to collaborate" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for most contexts. However, in very formal or professional settings, you might prefer "declines to cooperate".

How do I use "refuses to collaborate" in a sentence?

You can use "refuses to collaborate" to describe someone's unwillingness to work with others, such as, "The project failed because one team member "refuses to collaborate" with the others".