Guide: How to Say “Not Approved” in Other Words

When it comes to expressing disapproval or conveying the sentiment of “not approved,” choosing the right words can be essential. Whether you’re writing a formal email, talking to a colleague, or having a casual conversation with friends, it’s valuable to have a variety of alternative phrases at your disposal. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “not approved” and provide examples for both formal and informal settings. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Alternatives:

When communicating formally, it’s important to select language that is professional and respectful. Here are some options to convey “not approved” in a formal setting:

1. Rejected: The request has been rejected due to certain reasons. For example, “Unfortunately, your proposal has been rejected as it does not align with our organization’s objectives.”
2. Declined: This term suggests a polite refusal or non-acceptance. For instance, “After careful consideration, your application has been declined.”
3. Disapproved: This word indicates that the request did not gain approval or meet certain criteria. For instance, “We regret to inform you that your project has been disapproved due to the lack of sufficient detail.”
4. Negative: An alternative term to indicate something has not been approved. For example, “Unfortunately, the committee has given a negative response to your proposal.”
5. Unacceptable: This term implies that the request or proposal falls short of expectations or standards. For instance, “We find the submitted budget proposal unacceptable and cannot approve it as is.”

Informal Alternatives:

In casual conversations, you might want to use less formal expressions. Here are some informal ways to express “not approved”:

1. Nixed: An informal term indicating that a request or idea has been dismissed. For example, “The plan to organize an outing was nixed by our supervisor.”
2. Turned down: This phrase is frequently used in informal contexts to indicate rejection. For instance, “I asked my boss for an extra day off, but she turned me down.”
3. Shot down: Another informal expression meaning that an idea or request has been firmly rejected. For example, “John’s proposal to change the company dress code was shot down during the meeting.”
4. Vetoed: This term, familiar in political contexts, can be used informally to indicate the disapproval of an idea. For instance, “My co-worker’s suggestion was vetoed by the team.”
5. No-go: This colloquial phrase indicates that something has been deemed not suitable or rejected. For example, “The manager made it clear that implementing such a policy was a no-go.”

Examples:

Let’s see how these alternative phrases can be used in sentences:

Formal:
– We regret to inform you that your application for leave has been declined.
– Unfortunately, the board disapproved of the new marketing strategy proposal.
– Regrettably, your request for additional funding has been rejected.

Informal:
– The plan to buy new office furniture was nixed by the manager.
– My suggestion to organize a team-building activity was shot down by my colleagues.
– I asked my professor for an extension, but he turned me down.

Remember, while these phrases can effectively convey “not approved,” it’s crucial to consider the specific context and tone of your communication.

In conclusion, this guide has provided you with various alternatives to express “not approved” in both formal and informal settings. By utilizing these words or phrases, you can communicate your disapproval or rejection more effectively while maintaining a respectful tone. Remember to be mindful of the context, and choose the alternative that best suits your situation. With this knowledge, you can confidently express your sentiments without relying solely on a single phrase. Good luck!