Top 35 Slang For Reject – Meaning & Usage

Being rejected is never easy, but sometimes having the right slang term can help lighten the mood and make the situation a little more bearable. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the most hilarious and relatable slang words for rejection that you can start using in your everyday conversations. Trust us, you’ll want to have these gems in your back pocket for the next time you find yourself in a rejection situation.

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1. Snubbed

When someone is snubbed, they are intentionally ignored or rejected in a disrespectful or dismissive manner.

For example, “She felt snubbed when her friends didn’t invite her to the party.”
A person might say, “I asked him for help, but he completely snubbed me.”
Another might express, “Being snubbed by someone you care about can be really hurtful.”

2. Brushed off

To brush someone off means to dismiss or ignore them without much consideration.

For instance, “She asked for his opinion, but he just brushed her off.”
If someone tries to have a serious conversation but is met with indifference, they might say, “I feel like he’s always brushing me off.”
Another example would be, “I tried to talk to her about my problems, but she brushed me off like they didn’t matter.”

3. Turned down

To turn someone down means to refuse or reject their offer or request.

For example, “He asked her out on a date, but she turned him down.”
If someone declines an invitation, they might say, “I’m sorry, but I have to turn down your invitation.”
Another example would be, “She turned down the job offer because the salary wasn’t enough.”

4. Declined

When someone declines, they politely refuse or reject an offer or invitation.

For instance, “He declined the offer to join the committee.”
If someone turns down an invitation but does so politely, they might say, “Thank you for inviting me, but I have to decline.”
Another example would be, “She declined the opportunity to speak at the conference due to scheduling conflicts.”

5. Bounced

To be bounced means to be abruptly or rudely rejected or dismissed.

For example, “He tried to pitch his business idea, but it was quickly bounced.”
If someone is ignored or dismissed without any consideration, they might say, “I feel like my ideas are always bounced.”
Another example would be, “She was hoping for a positive response, but her request was bounced.”

6. Rebuffed

To be rebuffed means to be turned down or rejected, often in a social or romantic context.

For example, “He asked her out on a date, but she rebuffed his advances.”
In a job interview, a candidate might say, “I was rebuffed by several companies before finally finding the right fit.”
A person discussing relationships might advise, “If someone shows no interest, it’s best to accept that you’ve been rebuffed and move on.”

7. Ignored

To be ignored means to be disregarded or overlooked, often in a situation where one’s presence or input is not acknowledged.

For instance, “She tried to get their attention, but they ignored her.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “My ideas were completely ignored during the meeting.”
A person reflecting on a past experience might admit, “I felt invisible and ignored by my friends during that time.”

8. Denied

To be denied means to be refused or rejected, often in the context of a request or application.

For example, “He applied for a loan, but his request was denied.”
In a legal setting, a person might say, “The defendant denied all charges brought against them.”
A job applicant might share, “I was denied the opportunity to interview for that position.”

9. Unaccepted

To be unaccepted means to not be approved or acknowledged, often in the context of a social or professional situation.

For instance, “Her invitation to the party went unaccepted.”
In a discussion about artwork, someone might say, “His unconventional style was often unaccepted by traditional art critics.”
A person reflecting on their past experiences might admit, “I often felt unaccepted by my peers during high school.”

10. Unwanted

To be unwanted means to not be desired or welcomed, often in the context of a person or thing that is not wanted or appreciated.

For example, “He felt like an unwanted guest at the party.”
In a discussion about gifts, someone might say, “I received several unwanted presents for my birthday.”
A person reflecting on their relationships might admit, “I often felt unwanted in my previous romantic partnerships.”

11. Cast aside

When someone is cast aside, they are rejected or ignored by others. It implies being pushed away or disregarded.

For example, “After the breakup, she felt cast aside by her friends.”
In a group project, someone might feel cast aside if their ideas are constantly dismissed.
A person might say, “I don’t want to be cast aside like yesterday’s news.”

12. Dismissed

To dismiss someone is to reject or ignore them, often in a dismissive or condescending manner.

For instance, “He felt dismissed by his boss when she didn’t consider his ideas.”
In a conversation, one person might say, “Don’t just dismiss my feelings like they don’t matter.”
A rejected job applicant might feel dismissed if they receive a generic rejection email.

13. Disowned

When someone is disowned, they are rejected and cut off by their family or loved ones. It implies being completely removed from their support system.

For example, “After he came out as gay, he was disowned by his parents.”
In a discussion about personal values, one might say, “I could never disown my child, no matter what choices they make.”
A person might fear being disowned if they go against their family’s expectations.

14. Shunned

To shun someone is to deliberately avoid or reject them, often as a form of punishment or social exclusion.

For instance, “After the scandal, she was shunned by her former friends.”
In a high school setting, someone might say, “She’s been shunned by the popular kids and left out of all the parties.”
A person might feel shunned if they are constantly left out of social gatherings.

15. Rejected

To reject someone is to refuse or decline their advances, proposals, or ideas. It implies not accepting or considering someone or something.

For example, “He felt rejected when she turned down his invitation.”
In a job interview scenario, one might say, “I was rejected for the position because of my lack of experience.”
A person might feel rejected if they are consistently not chosen or included in a group.

16. Spurned

When someone is spurned, it means they have been rejected or turned down. This can happen in various contexts, such as relationships, job applications, or social invitations.

For example, “She felt spurned when her crush didn’t ask her out.”
A person might say, “I was spurned by multiple companies before finally finding a job.”
In a group setting, someone might mention, “He was spurned by the popular kids and left out of their social activities.”

17. Abandoned

To be abandoned means to be left behind or deserted by someone or something. This can refer to a person, a place, or an idea.

For instance, “The project was abandoned due to lack of funding.”
A person might say, “I feel abandoned by my friends who no longer include me in their plans.”
In a relationship context, someone might mention, “He abandoned me when things got tough.”

18. Forsaken

When something or someone is forsaken, it means they have been completely deserted or abandoned, often in a desolate or hopeless manner.

For example, “The old house stood forsaken on top of the hill.”
A person might say, “I feel forsaken by society and have lost faith in humanity.”
In a religious context, someone might mention, “He felt forsaken by God during his darkest moments.”

19. Thrown out

To be thrown out means to be dismissed or rejected, often in a forceful or abrupt manner.

For instance, “He was thrown out of the club for causing a disturbance.”
A person might say, “I was thrown out of the meeting for voicing my disagreement.”
In a social context, someone might mention, “She was thrown out of the popular clique and had to find new friends.”

20. Kicked to the curb

When someone is kicked to the curb, it means they have been rejected or discarded, often in a harsh or abrupt manner. This phrase is commonly used to describe a romantic rejection or someone being cast aside.

For example, “After years of dating, she was finally kicked to the curb by her partner.”
A person might say, “I was kicked to the curb by my friends after a misunderstanding.”
In a job context, someone might mention, “He was kicked to the curb by his boss and had to start over.”

21. Sidelined

To be sidelined means to be excluded or removed from a particular activity or group. It often refers to being benched in a sports team, where a player is not given the opportunity to play in a game.

For instance, a disappointed athlete might say, “I was sidelined for the entire season due to my injury.”
In a work setting, someone might feel sidelined if they are not included in important meetings or projects.
A person might express their frustration by saying, “I feel like I’ve been sidelined by my friends lately.”

22. Cut off

To be cut off means to be deliberately excluded or removed from a group or activity. It often implies being abruptly and completely disconnected from a social or professional circle.

For example, a person might say, “After the argument, they cut me off from the friend group.”
In a family dispute, someone might feel cut off if they are no longer invited to family gatherings or events.
A person might share their experience by saying, “I was cut off from my previous job after the company downsized.”

23. Shut out

To be shut out means to be rejected or denied access to something. It can refer to being excluded from a social event or being denied an opportunity or privilege.

For instance, a person might say, “I was shut out of the party because I didn’t RSVP in time.”
In a competitive application process, someone might feel shut out if they are not selected for a job or a scholarship.
A person might express their disappointment by saying, “I feel shut out by my own family because they don’t understand me.”

24. Passed over

To be passed over means to be disregarded or not chosen for something, especially when one was expecting or hoping to be selected. It often implies being ignored or not given the recognition or opportunity one deserves.

For example, a person might say, “I was passed over for the promotion even though I had more experience.”
In a school election, someone might feel passed over if they are not elected as a class representative despite their efforts.
A person might express their frustration by saying, “I always get passed over for opportunities because I’m not assertive enough.”

25. Overlooked

To be overlooked means to be unintentionally ignored or missed, often resulting in not being recognized or acknowledged for one’s efforts or qualities.

For instance, a person might say, “My hard work often gets overlooked by my boss.”
In a group project, someone might feel overlooked if their contributions are not acknowledged or valued by the rest of the team.
A person might share their experience by saying, “I feel overlooked in my relationship because my partner doesn’t appreciate my efforts.”

26. Unappreciated

This term refers to feeling unacknowledged or not receiving the recognition or appreciation one deserves. It can be used to describe a person, their work, or their efforts.

For example, “I feel unappreciated at work because my boss never acknowledges my hard work.”
A person might say, “I feel unappreciated in my relationship because my partner never expresses gratitude for the things I do.”
Someone might vent, “It’s frustrating to constantly feel unappreciated by my friends who never acknowledge my contributions.”

27. Unacknowledged

This term refers to not being acknowledged or recognized for one’s achievements, efforts, or existence. It can be used to describe a person or their work.

For instance, “I feel unacknowledged at school because my teachers never recognize my accomplishments.”
A person might say, “I feel unacknowledged in my career because my boss never acknowledges my hard work.”
Someone might express, “It’s disheartening to constantly feel unacknowledged by my family who never recognizes my achievements.”

28. Unrecognized

This term refers to not being recognized, acknowledged, or noticed for one’s achievements, skills, or qualities. It can be used to describe a person, their work, or their talents.

For example, “I feel unrecognized at work because my colleagues always take credit for my ideas.”
A person might say, “I feel unrecognized in my artistic pursuits because my work is constantly overlooked.”
Someone might lament, “It’s frustrating to constantly feel unrecognized for my talents by those around me.”

29. Unvalued

This term refers to not being valued or appreciated for one’s worth, contributions, or efforts. It can be used to describe a person, their work, or their role.

For instance, “I feel unvalued in my relationship because my partner never acknowledges my worth.”
A person might say, “I feel unvalued at work because my boss never appreciates the effort I put into my projects.”
Someone might express, “It’s demoralizing to constantly feel unvalued by my friends who never recognize my importance.”

30. Unloved

This term refers to feeling unwanted, unloved, or not receiving affection or attention from others. It can be used to describe a person’s emotional state or their experiences in relationships.

For example, “I feel unloved in my marriage because my partner never shows affection.”
A person might say, “I feel unloved by my family because they never express their love or support.”
Someone might confide, “It’s heartbreaking to constantly feel unloved and rejected by those around me.”

31. Blacklisted

When someone is blacklisted, they are intentionally excluded or banned from a certain group or community. It implies that they are not welcome and their presence is not wanted.

For example, “After his controversial remarks, the actor was blacklisted by Hollywood studios.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might say, “If you’re blacklisted by a company, it can be difficult to find employment elsewhere.”
A person who is excluded from a social event might say, “I feel like I’ve been blacklisted by all my friends.”

32. Neglected

To neglect someone means to ignore or disregard their needs, wants, or presence. It implies that the person is not given the attention or care they deserve.

For instance, “The child felt neglected by their parents who were always working.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “If your partner constantly neglects you, it may be a sign of a toxic relationship.”
A person who is constantly overlooked at work might express, “I feel neglected by my superiors who never acknowledge my contributions.”

33. Thrown shade

To throw shade means to make disrespectful or insulting remarks towards someone. It implies that the person is being criticized or belittled.

For example, “She constantly throws shade at her coworkers, making the office environment toxic.”
In a discussion about social media, someone might say, “People often throw shade at others in the comment section.”
A person who has been insulted might say, “I can’t believe she threw shade at me in front of everyone.”

34. Ditched

When someone is ditched, they are abandoned or left behind by others. It implies that the person is no longer wanted or included.

For instance, “He ditched his friends at the party and went home alone.”
In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “I thought we were going to hang out, but they ditched me for someone else.”
A person who has been left behind might express, “I feel so hurt and rejected when I get ditched by my friends.”

35. Unwelcomed

When something or someone is unwelcomed, they are not wanted or accepted in a certain place or situation. It implies that the person or thing is seen as an intrusion or burden.

For example, “She felt unwelcomed at the party because nobody greeted her.”
In a discussion about immigration, someone might say, “Many refugees face a hostile environment and feel unwelcomed in their new country.”
A person who is excluded from a group might express, “I always feel unwelcomed by my colleagues, like I don’t belong.”