# rejection

/ɹiˈdʒɛkʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪdʒˈɛkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rejection
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. refusal to accept

noun · CEFR B2

the act of saying no to an idea, a request, or a person.

For teachers: the act of refusing to accept, agree to, or believe something; often used in professional or romantic contexts.

- He felt a bit sad after the rejection of his job application.
- The author faced multiple rejections from major publishing houses before finally securing a contract for her debut novel.

### 2. medical transplant failure

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

when a person's body attacks a new organ after a transplant operation.

For teachers: an immune response in which a host organism's immune system attacks a foreign biological tissue, such as a transplanted organ.

- Doctors monitored the patient closely for any signs of organ rejection.
- Advances in immunosuppressant therapy have significantly reduced the risk of acute rejection following heart transplant surgery.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'to experience' or 'to suffer'.

### 3. sports block

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

in sports like basketball, the act of stopping an opponent's shot.

For teachers: the act of blocking an opponent's shot, particularly in basketball.

- The crowd cheered after the defender's spectacular rejection at the rim.
- The center's defensive dominance was defined by his ability to provide a clean rejection without committing a foul.

## Examples

- He felt sad after the rejection of his job application.
- The author received several rejection letters from publishers before her book was finally accepted for print.
- Doctors monitored the patient closely for signs of acute rejection, ensuring the new kidney was functioning properly within the host's body.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.