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

It’s been dicey in Denver so far, with fans booing on the regular and Nikola Jokić voicing his disapproval (twice), but the Nuggets are too talented to stay down for long. — Dan Woike, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Economic disapproval rose to 65%, the highest for any president CNBC has measured back to President Barack Obama, and one point higher than Biden's worst showing. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

What readers are saying The comments express strong disapproval of Vivek Ramaswamy's political ad, which features Amy Acton's estranged mother, who is portrayed as lacking credibility due to her past actions. — Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

The two become inseparable, despite great disapproval from Josie’s mother Chrissie (Amy Adams). — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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