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

In late May, his disapproval rate hit 60 percent, and currently sits at 58 percent, compared with 39 percent approval. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 19 July 2026

The opposition party has been vocal in its disapproval of Miliband potentially becoming Chancellor, and his stance on restricting the extraction of North Sea oil has raised concern internationally. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 July 2026

Virginia Commonwealth University released a poll on Wednesday showing Spanberger with a 47% disapproval rating six months into her role as Virginia‘s governor. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

Social media has been flooded with posts from users in Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru questioning refereeing decisions or expressing disapproval of Argentina, while messages mocking rival teams also proliferated from Argentine accounts. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 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