refusal
n.-
1 saying no (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of saying no to an offer, a request, or an invitation.
the act of declining or rejecting something offered, requested, or required.
ExampleHer refusal to help with the project made the rest of the team very angry.
ExampleThe diplomat's flat refusal of the proposed terms led to an immediate breakdown in the peace negotiations.
UsageOften followed by 'of' plus a noun or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.
PitfallHis refusal for the job surprised us.His refusal of the job surprised us.Use 'of' or 'to' after refusal. You refuse 'of' an offer or give a refusal 'to' a request.
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2 drilling limit (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe point where a drill cannot go any deeper into the ground.
the depth or specific point at which a borehole or well cannot be advanced further due to hard rock or technical limits.
ExampleThe drill hit refusal at fifty meters because of the solid granite layer.
ExampleThe engineering report noted that the piling reached refusal much earlier than anticipated, suggesting a shallow bedrock profile.
UsagePrimarily used in geological engineering and oil industries.
From Middle English refusell; equivalent to refuse + -al.