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
Cathy Biank… their precious romance may not survive his family's disapproval.—Pamela Hutchinson
Pamela HutchinsonCaroline's refusal to conform to convention earned her widespread disapproval …—Adam Sisman
Adam SismanFans of the hit franchise were quick to express their disapproval of the decision in the comments.—Alex Graf
Alex GrafOn the market floor, several attendees wore badges or pins showing their disapproval for the legislation.—Jennifer Bringle
Jennifer BringleExamples 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 also has a higher disapproval rating than Murphy at 55 percent to 48 percent.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Several nationwide polls conducted in late September demonstrated largely negative views on the president, with disapproval ratings in the 50 percentage range — except for Rasmussen Reports, which showed a 48% disapproval rating.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
To Trump’s disapproval, the Senate failed to pass a bill that included the funding for the border wall.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
After his words came to light, FAMU president Marva Johnson apologized to ASU and expressed her disapproval.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
Several nationwide polls conducted in late September demonstrated largely negative views on the president, with disapproval ratings in the 50 percentage range — except for Rasmussen Reports, which showed a 48% disapproval rating.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
To Trump’s disapproval, the Senate failed to pass a bill that included the funding for the border wall.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
After his words came to light, FAMU president Marva Johnson apologized to ASU and expressed her disapproval.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
Cite this Entry
“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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