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

Her post was largely met with disapproval during a time when cost of living expenses are very much on people’s minds. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

Trump’s disapproval rating stood at 60%, compared to his 52% approval rating in the final 2018 poll. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Nov. 2026

Natalia’s disapproval of the relationship created tension in the story, giving LaRue plenty of emotional material to explore during her run on the ABC soap. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026

Yet the mayor continues to be dogged by stubbornly high disapproval numbers, leaving some of the city’s Black civic leaders on edge about Bass’ prospects — at a time when Black representation is already decreasing at City Hall. — Los Angeles Times, 30 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