But when experts argue among themselves about who should get various tests and how often, reluctance can turn into outright refusal.

They had expected reticence on the part of the Vulcan government, but not outright refusal.

The pilot frowned and Dard prepared for an outright refusal.

Because such proof is difficult, the policy often amounted to an outright refusal.

Their responses range from serious consideration to outright refusal to view the cassettes.

Where information and cooperation was called for, we received delay or an outright refusal to help.

Neither did he provoke the barbarian with an outright refusal.

Obviously this was not what she'd hoped to achieve for herself; on the other hand, it was better than an outright refusal.

Still, an outright refusal would only have made my task more difficult.

Your unwillingness and, in fact, outright refusal to work as part of our united team to build on these historic achievements has been disappointing.