disapproval

noun

dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl 

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 disapproval …

—Adam 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

Synonyms

• deprecation
• disapprobation
• discountenance
• disesteem
• disfavor
• dislike
• displeasure

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

Preservationists and architecture enthusiasts angry about the demolition have taken to social media to voice their disapproval. —Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

The president's reelection campaign has responded by downplaying the magnitude of the disapproval. —USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024

Officials said the symbolism of calling out Israeli units for misconduct would nonetheless be potent, marking a sign of disapproval of the civilian toll the war is taking. —Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 17 Apr. 2024

Indeed, State Department staff have reportedly sent at least eight internal dissent memos registering their disapproval of U.S. policy on the war, according to the Independent. —Yasmeen Serhan, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024

Of the consumers that sold of their Teslas and purchased a different brand, 21.5% cited their disapproval of Musk. —William Gavin, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024

Democratic voters in a string of states have organized protest votes during primary elections to register their disapproval. —Asma Khalid, NPR, 3 Apr. 2024

The panel of venture capitalists, the arbiters of my fate, gazed back at me with disapproval in their eyes. —Paul Moutzouris, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Despite the recall effort and vocal disapproval, the board elected Crye board chair for 2024. Jones, who is running for reelection, may also lose his seat on the board. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

disapproval

noun

dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl 

1

: the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved

frowned in disapproval

2

: unfavorable opinion or judgment : criticism

the plan met with disapproval