ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rejected

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹiˈdʒɛktɪd// UK //ɹɪdʒˈɛktɪd// re·ject·ed

v. to refuse to accept, use, or believe something. You use this when you say 'no' to an idea, a person, or a gift because it is not what you want.

v. to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, or take for some purpose; to cast off or discard. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The committee rejected his proposal for a new park.

CONTEXTUAL

After reviewing the evidence, the judge rejected the lawyer's request to delay the trial.

COMPLEX

The body's immune system sometimes identifies a transplanted organ as a foreign threat and begins to reject the new tissue, requiring patients to take specialized medication.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice to describe the outcome of an application or offer.

Pitfall

He was rejected from the jobHe was rejected for the jobWhile you are rejected 'by' a person or 'from' a group, you are rejected 'for' a specific role or position.

© 2026 English Reference