refusal       
noun [ C or U ] uk/rɪˈfjuː.zəl/ us/rɪˈfjuː.zəl/
C1 拒绝;回绝
the act of refusing to do or accept something
  Our request for permission to travel met with/received a flat/point-blank (= complete) refusal from the authorities. 我们向当局申请旅游签证,但遭到断然拒绝。 
 [ + to infinitive ] The government's refusal to see that the protection of the environment must be our first priority today is a great tragedy. 环境保护乃我们当今社会的当务之急,但政府却对此视而不见,实乃一大悲剧。 
 - More examples
 - He made some fairly damning remarks about the government's refusal to deal with the problem.
 - The University has docked lecturers' pay/wages by 20% because of their refusal to mark exam papers.
 - The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists.
 - What do you infer from her refusal?
 - My sister's selling her car and she's offered me first refusal on it.