Rejection

In one sentence

A party's refusal to accept an offer, which terminates the offer.

Plain English

When someone says no to an offer, they reject it. Once rejected, the offer is dead—the person making the offer can't later say "too late, I'm accepting anyway." Rejection can be express (stated directly) or implied (by conduct that shows you don't want the deal). It's one of the main ways an offer ends before a contract forms.

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Example

Sarah offers to sell her car to Tom for $10,000. Tom says, "No thanks, that's too much." Tom's rejection kills the offer. A week later, Tom changes his mind and tries to accept, but it's too late—there's no contract because the offer no longer exists.

Used in a sentence

“The buyer's rejection of the counteroffer meant the seller was free to negotiate with other interested parties.”

Related terms

Lapse of Offer

An offer that expires because too much time has passed or a condition fails.

Contract Formation

The process by which parties create a legally binding agreement.

Offeror

The person who makes an offer to enter into a contract.

Invitation to Treat

A display or communication inviting others to make an offer, not itself an offer.

Revocation

An offeror's withdrawal of an offer before it's accepted, ending the power to form a contract.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.