disapproval

noun

dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce disapproval (audio)
plural disapprovals
: the act or fact of disapproving : the opinion that someone or something is bad, wrong, etc. or the expressing of such an opinion
Although she said nothing, her disapproval was obvious.
Their plan was met with strong/widespread disapproval. [=criticism]
Research shows that public disapproval of sitting presidents tends to rise along with the cost of a fill-up.Cathy Biank
… their precious romance may not survive his family's disapproval.Pamela Hutchinson
Caroline's refusal to conform to convention earned her widespread disapprovalAdam Sisman
Fans of the hit franchise were quick to express their disapproval of the decision in the comments.Alex Graf
On the market floor, several attendees wore badges or pins showing their disapproval for the legislation.Jennifer Bringle

Examples of disapproval in a Sentence

I could sense her disapproval. They made their disapproval of our behavior very clear.
Recent Examples on the Web With about half the votes counted, the plan to provide billions of dollars to help the state’s homeless population had a little more than 50% of voters in favor and about 49.8% of voters in disapproval. David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024 In addition to McCool, and a couple of other officials and groups voicing the disapproval of the comments made at the meeting, the LGBTQ+ Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Democratic Party Jewish Caucus put out a joint statement on Wednesday. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024 The Yorkshire Ripper [who was convicted of murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven others between 1975 and 1980] probably wouldn’t mind the disapproval. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 Later Marley, despite the disapproval of his devoutly Christian mother, began to let his hair grow into serpentine dreadlocks in obedience to the Bible, which forbids males from touching scissors or comb to hair. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 Even the city’s parking director, Monica Beltran, has faced Suarez’s disapproval. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024 This is the single highest presidential disapproval this survey has ever recorded. Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2024 That disapproval is glaringly obvious in the comments on Biden’s TikTok account. Makena Kelly, WIRED, 24 Feb. 2024 This means that, barring unforeseen circumstances — and despite polls showing widespread disapproval of a Biden-Trump rematch — the pair will likely fend off their challengers and face off once again in November. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disapproval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapproval was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near disapproval

Cite this Entry

“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

disapproval

noun
dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce disapproval (audio)
1
: the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved
frowned in disapproval
2
: unfavorable opinion or judgment : criticism
the plan met with disapproval

More from Merriam-Webster on disapproval

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