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

• deprecation
• disapprobation
• discountenance
• disesteem
• disfavor
• dislike
• displeasure

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

Trump's average approval rating is 45% as of Friday, May 16, with a 51% disapproval number, according to the New York Times' poll aggregation service. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Despite her father’s initial disapproval of Jesse (Thomas McDonell), a bad boy with a heart of gold, Nova goes to the prom with him, and all the drama leading up to the dance proves worth it in the end. —James Mercadante, EW.com, 17 May 2025

However, Shirakawa's triumphant moment as an official member of the AEW roster was initially met with considerable online disapproval from AEW fans. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Some of McRae’s fans have voiced their disapproval for collaborating with Wallen, who remains controversial after he was caught using a racial slur on camera back in 2021. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025

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