Better ways to say “we are not interested”

Say this instead

1. 01

   Thank you for thinking of me. I'm not looking to move at the moment, so I'll pass on this role. I appreciate you getting in touch.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Fits a first approach from a recruiter, since it is warm, gives a short reason and leaves little room for follow-up.

   Use for my message
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2. 02

   Thanks for the proposal. We've reviewed it and won't be taking it forward, as it doesn't fit what we need right now.

   Client · Email

   Use it after a formal pitch or scope suggestion, because it is clear, respectful and does not invite negotiation.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Thanks for the invite, but I'm going to sit this one out so I can stay focused on my current work.

   Coworker · Chat

   Good for optional projects or groups, since it declines without criticizing the idea.

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4. 04

   Thanks for considering us for this. Having looked at it, I don't think it's the right use of the team's time now, so I'd suggest we decline.

   Boss · Email

   Lets you refuse an opportunity while giving a reason your manager can weigh and agree with.

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5. 05

   Thanks for the suggestion, but we won't be pursuing this. We're keeping our focus on our current offering. Appreciate you thinking of us.

   Customer · SMS

   Short enough for text, it suits a customer's request or an offer you can't take on.

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6. 06

   Thanks for pitching this. I'm not going to take it forward this quarter, but I appreciate you bringing it to me.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Gives a direct no to someone you manage while acknowledging the effort they put in.

   Use for my message
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7. 07

   Thanks, but I'm not interested in this role. Please don't contact me about similar roles.

   Recruiter / HR · SMS

   Helpful when a recruiter keeps messaging, as it stays civil but firmly ends the thread.

   Use for my message
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8. 08

   Appreciate the offer. It's not something we want to pursue, so let's leave it there and carry on with the current scope.

   Client · Chat

   Suits an informal chat when a client adds an extra idea and you want to close it quickly.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Don't say maybe later or another time if you mean no, because it invites repeated follow-ups.
• Long excuses backfire, since each reason gives the other person something to argue with or solve.
• Sarcasm or one-word replies like No can read as rude.
• Leaving the message unanswered often leads to more chasing.
• Offering to keep their details on file is only fair if you really will.

Related phrases

• Alternatives to “I can't accept the dinner offer” at work→
• Saying “I don't want to gossip” at work→
• Saying “I don't need help” at work→
• What to say instead of “I can't take on this project”→
• Saying “I'm not interested” at work→
• “Apologies for the delay”: how to say it politely→