stubborn refusal

USAGE SUMMARY

"stubborn refusal" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an unwillingness to change one's mind or position despite pressure or persuasion. Example: Her stubborn refusal to apologize only made the situation worse. Alternative expressions include "unyielding denial" and "adamant rejection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

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Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baseball was baffling in its stubborn refusal to make logical changes.

The New York Times - Sports

He was executed in 1661 for his son's stubborn refusal to surrender.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But his stubborn refusal to admit mistakes carries a whiff of megalomania.

The Guardian - Opinion

He seemed to live on from sheer stubborn refusal to yield the floor.

The New York Times - Books

Still, the greatest key to happiness and survival may be a stubborn refusal to notice misfortune.

The New York Times

So too was Mac's stubborn refusal to cash in on his talent.

The Guardian

Tom executed superb backward defensive and blocked crease with stubborn refusal to talk about it".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bush's stubborn refusal to admit mistakes makes it clear that he will repeat them.

The New York Times

This stubborn refusal to accept the obvious afflicted the French government in both Indochina and Algeria.

The New York Times

It is found in the stubborn refusal of residents to give up on their neighborhood.

The New York Times

Now we have something quite different and there's a culture of stubborn refusal brewing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stubborn refusal" to describe situations where someone is unreasonably or inflexibly unwilling to concede or comply, despite evidence or persuasion.

Common error

Avoid using "stubborn refusal" when a simple disagreement or difference of opinion is present. The phrase carries a negative connotation and suggests unreasonable behavior. Choose a more neutral term like "disagreement" or "opposition" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stubborn refusal" functions as a noun phrase, where "stubborn" modifies the noun "refusal". As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an act of resistance or non-compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Books

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stubborn refusal" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an inflexible and often unreasonable unwillingness to accept or comply with something. As indicated by Ludwig, it carries a negative connotation and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of its critical tone and avoid overusing it in neutral situations. Alternatives such as "obstinate denial" or "adamant rejection" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstinate denial

Emphasizes a more determined and unyielding form of refusal.

adamant rejection

Highlights a firm and resolute act of turning something down.

unyielding resistance

Focuses on the continuous and unwavering opposition.

inflexible opposition

Suggests a lack of adaptability in the refusal.

persistent dissent

Implies an ongoing disagreement or objection.

resolute defiance

Conveys a strong and determined act of disobedience.

dogged resistance

Highlights a tenacious and persistent form of opposition.

firm declination

Focuses on the steadiness and definiteness of the refusal.

determined negation

Stresses the purposeful and decisive nature of the rejection.

unwavering objection

Emphasizes the steadfast and consistent nature of the opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "stubborn refusal" in a sentence?

You can use "stubborn refusal" to describe someone's unwillingness to accept something, as in "His "stubborn refusal" to admit mistakes was his downfall."

What's the difference between ""stubborn refusal"" and obstinate denial?

"Stubborn refusal" generally refers to an unwillingness to yield or comply. "Obstinate denial" suggests a more forceful and defiant rejection of something, especially a truth or fact.

What can I say instead of "stubborn refusal"?

You can use alternatives like "obstinate denial", "adamant rejection", or "unyielding resistance" depending on the context.

Is "stubborn refusal" negative?

Yes, ""stubborn refusal"" typically carries a negative connotation, implying an unreasonable or inflexible unwillingness to concede or comply. It suggests the person is being difficult or unreasonable.