B2 adjective #2,500 le plus courant 4 min de lecture

reject

When we describe something as "reject", we're talking about an item that has been cast aside or discarded. This is usually because it's faulty or doesn't meet certain standards of quality. You often hear this term used for manufactured goods that might have minor defects. Because of these small imperfections, they are typically sold at a discounted price.

§ Mistakes people make with this word

The adjective 'reject' is a fascinating word, often misunderstood or misused, primarily because its more common counterpart is the verb 'to reject'. While both are related to something being cast aside, their grammatical functions and nuances of meaning are quite distinct. Let's delve into the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

§ Confusing it with the verb 'to reject'

One of the most frequent errors is to use 'reject' (adjective) in contexts where the verb 'to reject' would be more appropriate, or to mistakenly believe it functions as a past participle. While 'rejected' (the past participle of the verb 'to reject') can function adjectivally (e.g., 'a rejected proposal'), 'reject' as an adjective has a very specific and narrower meaning.

Wrong usage
The company will reject the faulty products.

In this sentence, 'reject' is correctly used as a verb. However, some might incorrectly try to force the adjective form:

Incorrect Attempt
The company will sell the reject products at a discount.

While this sentence is grammatically correct and uses the adjective, the common mistake is believing 'reject' can replace 'rejected' universally. The adjective 'reject' specifically refers to items *identified* as faulty and sold as such, often with that label. 'Rejected products' could simply mean products that were not accepted for any reason, not necessarily because they are faulty and sold at a discount. The adjective 'reject' carries the implication of being flawed and consequently discounted.

§ Overusing 'reject' when 'defective' or 'faulty' are more suitable

The adjective 'reject' is quite specific. It describes items that are sold at a reduced price because of minor imperfections. If an item is simply broken or doesn't work, 'defective' or 'faulty' might be better choices, especially if there's no implication of it being sold as a 'reject' item.

  • Less precise
    The new phone was reject and didn't turn on.
  • More precise
    The new phone was defective and didn't turn on.

We bought a batch of reject towels at a greatly reduced price.

This example clearly shows the context where 'reject' (adjective) is most appropriate: when goods with minor defects are being sold at a discount.

§ Using 'reject' to describe people or abstract ideas

The adjective 'reject' is almost exclusively used for manufactured goods. It's not typically applied to people or abstract concepts. While one might feel 'rejected' (past participle), using 'reject' as an adjective for a person or an idea would sound unnatural and incorrect.

  • Awkward
    He felt like a reject person after losing his job.
  • Correct
    He felt rejected after losing his job.

§ Not understanding the implication of a discount

The core meaning of 'reject' as an adjective is intrinsically linked to being sold at a discount due to imperfections. If something is flawed but not being sold as a discounted 'reject' item, then 'reject' isn't the best descriptor. For instance, a tailor might discard a piece of cloth with a flaw, but they wouldn't necessarily refer to it as 'reject cloth' unless they were specifically selling it at a reduced price to a customer who understood its imperfections.

The outlet store specializes in selling reject clothing with minor stitching errors.

This sentence effectively uses the adjective 'reject' because it implies the clothing has minor flaws and is sold in an outlet store, which is typically associated with discounted goods.

In summary, while 'reject' (adjective) might seem straightforward, its specific usage context is crucial. Always consider if you're talking about manufactured goods with minor defects being sold at a discount. If not, another word like 'defective', 'faulty', or the past participle 'rejected' might be more suitable.

Exemples par niveau

1

The store offered a significant discount on the reject clothing items due to small imperfections.

La tienda ofrecía un descuento significativo en las prendas de vestir rechazadas debido a pequeñas imperfecciones.

Here, 'reject' acts as an adjective modifying 'clothing items'.

2

He bought a reject vase, knowing he could easily fix the minor chip.

Compró un jarrón defectuoso, sabiendo que podría arreglar fácilmente el pequeño desconchón.

Again, 'reject' describes the noun 'vase'.

3

Many factory outlets sell reject goods, which are often perfectly functional despite minor flaws.

Muchos puntos de venta de fábrica venden productos defectuosos, que a menudo son perfectamente funcionales a pesar de pequeños defectos.

Used before 'goods' to indicate items that didn't pass quality control.

4

She managed to find a beautiful reject lamp with a scratch that was barely noticeable.

Consiguió encontrar una hermosa lámpara defectuosa con un arañazo apenas perceptible.

'Reject' modifies 'lamp'.

5

Buying reject tiles saved them a lot of money on their home renovation project.

Comprar azulejos defectuosos les ahorró mucho dinero en su proyecto de renovación del hogar.

Describes the type of 'tiles'.

6

The bakery sells reject cookies at a lower price because they might be slightly broken or misshapen.

La panadería vende galletas defectuosas a un precio más bajo porque pueden estar ligeramente rotas o deformes.

Used as an adjective before 'cookies'.

7

You can sometimes find great deals on reject furniture if you don't mind a small imperfection.

A veces puedes encontrar grandes ofertas en muebles defectuosos si no te importa una pequeña imperfección.

'Reject' modifies 'furniture'.

8

The artist used reject canvases for practice, as they were cheaper and didn't need to be perfect.

El artista utilizó lienzos defectuosos para practicar, ya que eran más baratos y no necesitaban ser perfectos.

Describes the type of 'canvases'.

1

The store offered a significant discount on the reject clothing items, as they had minor stitching imperfections.

Minor stitching imperfections on clothes.

The adjective 'reject' modifies 'clothing items'.

2

Despite being a reject product, the toaster worked perfectly, much to the customer's surprise.

Toaster with a defect that still works.

Here, 'reject' acts as an adjective describing 'product'.

3

The artist often found inspiration in reject materials, transforming discarded items into beautiful sculptures.

Artist using discarded materials for sculptures.

Used to describe 'materials' that have been cast aside.

4

You can find some great deals on reject furniture if you don't mind a few scratches or dents.

Discounted furniture with minor flaws.

Adjective 'reject' modifies 'furniture'.

5

The quality control department carefully inspected each item, separating the perfect pieces from the reject ones.

Separating perfect items from flawed ones.

Used as an adjective to describe 'ones' (referring to items).

6

She bought a reject book with a slightly damaged cover, but the content was still excellent.

Book with a damaged cover, but good content.

Describes 'book' with a minor defect.

7

The factory had a section dedicated to processing reject components, either for repair or recycling.

Factory section for flawed parts.

Modifies 'components' that didn't meet standards.

8

It's important to remember that even reject goods can still be functional and offer good value for money.

Flawed goods can still be useful and affordable.

Used as an adjective to describe 'goods'.

1

Despite its somewhat reject appearance, the vintage vase held an undeniable charm, a testament to its artisanal origins.

Despite its somewhat rejected appearance, the vintage vase held an undeniable charm, a testament to its artisanal origins.

Here, 'reject' as an adjective modifies 'appearance', indicating an aesthetic that might be considered flawed but is ultimately part of its character.

2

The sculptor, embracing imperfection, intentionally incorporated what others might deem 'reject' materials into his latest installation, creating a profound statement on societal values.

The sculptor, embracing imperfection, intentionally incorporated what others might deem 'rejected' materials into his latest installation, creating a profound statement on societal values.

'Reject' is used attributively to describe the type of materials, highlighting their perceived flaw.

3

Finding a truly pristine item among the 'reject' stock required a keen eye and a willingness to overlook minor blemishes.

Finding a truly pristine item among the 'rejected' stock required a keen eye and a willingness to overlook minor blemishes.

Used as a collective adjective, 'reject stock' refers to a collection of flawed items.

4

Her innovative design transformed what was once considered a 'reject' fabric into a high-fashion statement, challenging conventional notions of beauty.

Her innovative design transformed what was once considered a 'rejected' fabric into a high-fashion statement, challenging conventional notions of beauty.

'Reject' here describes the fabric, emphasizing its initial categorization as inferior.

5

The factory's rigorous quality control ensures that only a minimal percentage of products are classified as 'reject' and subsequently sold at a reduced price.

The factory's rigorous quality control ensures that only a minimal percentage of products are classified as 'rejected' and subsequently sold at a reduced price.

Used predicatively with 'classified as', 'reject' indicates the category of the products.

6

Even a 'reject' copy of the rare first edition was highly sought after by collectors, its imperfections adding to its unique provenance.

Even a 'rejected' copy of the rare first edition was highly sought after by collectors, its imperfections adding to its unique provenance.

'Reject' modifies 'copy', referring to an imperfect but still valuable version.

7

The artist specialized in upcycling 'reject' components from discarded machinery, giving them new life and artistic purpose.

The artist specialized in upcycling 'rejected' components from discarded machinery, giving them new life and artistic purpose.

Here, 'reject' describes the components, indicating their prior status as discarded.

8

While the exterior boasted a few 'reject' marks from the manufacturing process, the functionality of the device remained entirely uncompromised.

While the exterior boasted a few 'rejected' marks from the manufacturing process, the functionality of the device remained entirely uncompromised.

'Reject' acts as an adjective to describe the nature of the marks, implying they were reasons for potential rejection.

Synonymes

discarded faulty substandard defective refused cast-off

Antonymes

Astuces

Contextual Learning

Always try to learn new words in context. For 'reject' (adjective), think of phrases like 'reject merchandise' or 'reject items' to see how it's used.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Explore synonyms such as 'defective,' 'flawed,' 'discarded,' and antonyms like 'perfect,' 'approved,' or 'accepted' to broaden your understanding.

Sentence Construction

Practice creating your own sentences using 'reject' as an adjective. For example, 'The store sold reject clothing at half price.'

Real-World Examples

Look for examples of 'reject' in product descriptions or news articles, especially those discussing factory outlets or discounted goods. This helps you see its natural usage. You might find signs saying 'Reject Sale'.

Word Family Connection

Understand that 'reject' as an adjective comes from the verb 'to reject.' Knowing this connection can help you infer its meaning. Think about the act of rejecting something.

Common Misconceptions

Be careful not to confuse 'reject' (adjective) with the verb form. The adjective describes the *state* of being cast aside, not the *action* of casting aside. So, 'these are reject shoes' means they *have been* rejected.

Visual Association

Imagine a pile of slightly damaged goods, perhaps with a 'reject' sticker on them. Visualizing helps reinforce the meaning.

Shopping Context

In English-speaking countries, especially in outlet stores or discount retailers, 'rejects' or 'seconds' are common terms for items with minor defects sold at a lower price.

Nuance in Usage

While 'reject' implies faulty goods, sometimes the 'fault' can be minor and cosmetic. Understanding this nuance helps in interpreting discounts on 'reject stock'.

Flashcards and Repetition

Create flashcards with 'reject (adjective)' on one side and its definition and example sentences on the other. Regular repetition is key for memorization. Include a phrase like 'reject quality'.

Teste-toi 66 questions

multiple choice A1

The store sells ______ clothes with small problems.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject clothes have small problems, so they are sold cheaper.

multiple choice A1

My shoes were ______ because one shoelace was too short.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

If something is reject, it means it has a small fault, like a short shoelace.

multiple choice A1

We bought a ______ apple because it had a small bruise.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

A reject apple has a small problem, like a bruise, so it's not perfect.

true false A1

A reject toy is perfect and has no problems.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A reject toy has small problems, it is not perfect.

true false A1

You can buy reject items for less money.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Reject items are often sold at a lower price because they have small defects.

true false A1

A reject car cannot drive at all.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A reject car might have a small problem, but it can usually still drive. It's not completely broken.

listening A1

clothes that are not perfect

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The shop sells reject clothes.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A1

an apple with a small defect

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : I bought a reject apple. It has a small bruise.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening A1

shoes that are sold at a lower price because of small flaws

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : These are reject shoes. They are cheaper.
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

This shirt is a reject.

Focus: reject

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

I got a reject toy.

Focus: reject toy

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Are these reject items?

Focus: reject items

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : These are reject apples.

The word 'reject' describes the apples.

sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : I bought some reject shirts.

The word 'reject' tells us about the shirts.

sentence order A1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Do you like these reject toys?

The word 'reject' describes the toys.

fill blank A2

The store sells many things, even some ______ items with small problems.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject items are often sold at a lower price because they have minor flaws.

fill blank A2

She bought a ______ shirt because it had a small stain, so it was cheaper.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

A reject shirt has a small problem, like a stain, and is usually sold for less.

fill blank A2

Don't worry about the little scratch; it's just a ______ toy.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

A reject toy might have a minor scratch but is still usable.

fill blank A2

They sold the ______ furniture at a discount because of a small dent.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject furniture has a small imperfection, like a dent, which makes it cheaper.

fill blank A2

We found some ______ clothes in the back of the shop, they were very cheap.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject clothes are inexpensive because they have minor flaws.

fill blank A2

The factory sells its ______ products at a special market.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Factories sell reject products when they have small faults.

multiple choice A2

The store sells ______ clothes because they have small problems.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject clothes are those with small problems, often sold at a discount.

multiple choice A2

Which word means something is not good enough and thrown away?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

To reject something means to cast it aside because it's faulty or doesn't meet standards.

multiple choice A2

You can often buy ______ items cheaper because they have small flaws.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Reject items usually have minor defects, which is why they are sold at a lower price.

true false A2

A reject item is usually perfect and has no problems.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

A reject item has been cast aside because it is faulty or doesn't meet standards.

true false A2

You might buy a reject T-shirt if you want to save money and don't mind a small stain.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Reject items often have minor defects and are sold at a discount, making them a good option for saving money.

true false A2

When something is 'reject', it means it is of the highest quality.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

Reject items are not of the highest quality; they have flaws or don't meet specific standards.

sentence order A2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : These are reject apples.

The correct order forms a simple sentence stating that the apples are reject ones, meaning they have some imperfections.

sentence order A2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : I bought a reject shirt.

This sentence describes buying a shirt that has been rejected due to a minor flaw.

sentence order A2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The reject items are cheaper.

The sentence indicates that items with minor defects are sold at a lower price.

multiple choice B1

The store sells slightly damaged items at a lower price. What are these items often called?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : rejects

Items that are slightly damaged or don't meet perfect standards are often called 'rejects' and sold at a discount.

multiple choice B1

If a product is considered 'reject', what does that usually mean?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : It has minor faults and is cheaper.

A 'reject' product typically has minor flaws and is sold at a reduced price.

multiple choice B1

Why might a factory label some products as 'rejects'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because they have small imperfections.

Factories label products as 'rejects' when they have small imperfections that don't meet quality standards.

true false B1

A 'reject' item is usually more expensive than a perfect one.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

Reject items are typically sold at a discount because of their faults, making them cheaper.

true false B1

You might find 'reject' clothing with a small stain at a factory outlet.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Vrai

Factory outlets often sell 'reject' items, which can include clothing with minor flaws like small stains.

true false B1

If something is a 'reject', it means it's completely broken and cannot be used.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

Being a 'reject' usually means there are minor defects, not that the item is completely unusable. It often still functions.

writing B1

Imagine you bought a shirt that was described as 'reject' because it had a small stain. Write a short paragraph explaining why you decided to buy it despite the defect and what you plan to do with it.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I bought a reject shirt because it was on sale, and the stain was very small. I think I can easily wash out the stain. It was a good deal, so I didn't mind the minor defect.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B1

Think about a time you saw a 'reject' item for sale, like a piece of furniture with a scratch or a book with a torn cover. Describe the item and explain whether you would buy it or not, and why.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I saw a reject chair in a shop. It had a small scratch on one leg. I would buy it because the scratch was not very noticeable, and the price was much lower. It still looked good.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing B1

Write a short email to a friend telling them about a great deal you found on 'reject' goods. Explain what you bought and why it was a good idea.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Hi [Friend's Name], Guess what? I found some amazing reject shoes today! They had a tiny mark, but they were so cheap. I bought them because they fit perfectly, and no one will even notice the mark. It was such a good deal! Best, [Your Name]

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
reading B1

Why do stores sell 'reject' items?

Read this passage:

Some stores sell 'reject' items at a lower price. These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch. Many people buy these items to save money, especially if the fault is not very important. It's a way to get good products for less.

Why do stores sell 'reject' items?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because they have small faults and are sold at a lower price.

The passage states that 'These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch' and are sold 'at a lower price'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Because they have small faults and are sold at a lower price.

The passage states that 'These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch' and are sold 'at a lower price'.

reading B1

Why was the sister happy with her purchase?

Read this passage:

My sister bought a 'reject' coat last week. It had a small tear inside the lining, but you couldn't see it from the outside. She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price. She said it was a smart way to shop.

Why was the sister happy with her purchase?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : She got a good coat for a much lower price.

The passage says, 'She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : She got a good coat for a much lower price.

The passage says, 'She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price.'

reading B1

What is another benefit of buying 'reject' items, besides saving money?

Read this passage:

Buying 'reject' items can be good for the environment too. When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet by using resources more efficiently. It's a win-win situation for both shoppers and the environment.

What is another benefit of buying 'reject' items, besides saving money?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : It is good for the environment by reducing waste.

The passage explains, 'When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : It is good for the environment by reducing waste.

The passage explains, 'When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet.'

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The store sells reject goods at discount prices

This sentence describes a common scenario where items with minor flaws are sold at a reduced price.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The factory produced a lot of reject clothing due to minor flaws

This sentence illustrates how manufacturing processes can result in a quantity of 'reject' items.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : It was packaged as a reject product even though it was perfect

This sentence presents a contrasting situation where a perfect item is mistakenly labeled as a 'reject'.

fill blank C1

The factory had a large bin for the ___ parts, which were then sold at a reduced price.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

The word 'reject' as an adjective means something cast aside because it's faulty, fitting the context of parts sold at a reduced price due to defects.

fill blank C1

Despite being slightly scuffed, these ___ shoes are still perfectly wearable and a great bargain.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

'Reject' accurately describes goods that are sold at a discount due to minor imperfections, like scuffed shoes.

fill blank C1

The quality control team identified several ___ items that didn't meet the rigorous standards for export.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

Here, 'reject' functions as an adjective to describe items that have been set aside for not meeting specific quality standards.

fill blank C1

Customers can often find incredible deals on ___ electronics, which may have minor cosmetic flaws but are fully functional.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

The context of 'minor cosmetic flaws' and being 'fully functional' aligns perfectly with the definition of 'reject' as an adjective for discounted goods.

fill blank C1

The artist often incorporates ___ materials from construction sites into his avant-garde sculptures.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

In this artistic context, 'reject' describes materials that were cast aside due to not meeting initial building standards, but are repurposed.

fill blank C1

To minimize waste, the company sells its ___ fabrics to smaller manufacturers who can use them for different products.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : reject

'Reject fabrics' refers to those deemed unsuitable for the primary production, but still usable for other purposes, often at a discount.

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The reject goods were sold at a discount due to minor defects.

The correct order forms a coherent sentence about discounted goods due to defects, using 'reject' as an adjective.

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : The quality control department identified several parts as reject.

The sentence describes how the quality control department found some parts to be 'reject' (faulty).

sentence order C1

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : We cannot market these products as they are all reject.

This sentence indicates that the products are not suitable for sale because they are 'reject' (faulty).

/ 66 correct

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