rejection

noun

re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
1
a
: the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected
b
: an immune response in which foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) is attacked by immune system components of the recipient organism
2
: something rejected

Examples of rejection in a Sentence

made a flat rejection of the charges against him the judge's swift rejection of the lawyer's request for a recess
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Witter said that the request could trigger trauma responses tied to childhood abandonment, neglect, or rejection. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Indeed, Scott had the correct approach to rejection, according to psychologists. Nicolas Vega, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 The government’s rejection of its citizens’ efforts for change is personal to him—as devastating and painful, the film suggests, as having a father turn against his own flesh and blood. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024 Don’t give up When looking for investors, rejection is common. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rejection 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rejection was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rejection

Cite this Entry

“Rejection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rejection. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rejection

noun
re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
1
: the action of rejecting : the state of being rejected
2
: something rejected
3
: the process by which the immune system causes foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) to separate from and stop functioning with the tissues of the animal or human being that has received it

Medical Definition

rejection

noun
re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
1
: the action of rejecting or the state of being rejected
feelings of rejection
rejection of the atypical child by the … groupG. S. Speer
2
: an immune response in which foreign tissue (as of a skin graft or transplanted organ) is attacked by immune system components (as antibodies, T cells, and macrophages) of the recipient organism

Legal Definition

rejection

noun
re·​jec·​tion ri-ˈjek-shən How to pronounce rejection (audio)
: the act or an instance of rejecting: as
a
: a refusal to accept an offer
b
: a refusal to accept nonconforming goods as performance of a contract

Note: Rejection and revocation are two remedies available to the buyer under the Uniform Commercial Code after the delivery of defective goods. Goods may be rejected if they do not conform to the contract. The rejection must be made within a reasonable period after delivery, before the goods have been accepted, and notice of the rejection must be given to the seller. Acceptance of the goods can be revoked if a defect substantially impairing their value to the buyer is discovered after acceptance, but such revocation must be made within a reasonable period after the buyer has discovered, or should have discovered, the defect.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejection

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