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 of disapproval

• displeasure
• dislike
• criticism
• condemnation
• disapprobation

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

Economic and ecological strain have left the public with a cold attitude towards space travel, and in some cases, that disapproval has grown into outright opposition. —Ian Stokes, Space.com, 24 May 2026

Throughout the festival, Cannes audiences have been showing their disapproval by booing the Canal+ logo at gala screenings. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

April 29Trump’s approval rating dipped two points from March, to 40%, and his disapproval rating increased five points, to 56%, according to the latest Emerson College survey of 1,000 likely voters conducted April 24-26 (the poll has a margin of error of 3). —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

But some young people have also voiced their disapproval, arguing the Cockroach Janta Party is a meme embraced by more privileged youngsters, offering up little in the way of real political solutions. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disapproval

• reapproval
• approval
• removal
• uveal

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