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

Among Independent voters the president is at 68 percent disapproval in the Gallup poll. —Juan Williams, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Kelly ended his round of questions for Hegseth with a stamp of disapproval. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026

ABC's eight-season classic flew Elizabeth Montgomery to fame as Samantha, a witch who marries mortal Darren (Dick York, later replaced by Dick Sargent) despite the disapproval of her all-powerful mother (Agnes Moorehead). —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026

Despite that, Democrats did very well in elections in 2025, an indicator that Democratic voters' intense disapproval of the president and GOP may trump their lack of confidence in their own party. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disapproval

• reapproval
• approval
• removal

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