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

Over the same period, the share expressing disapproval increased from 6% to 69%. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Trump’s approval rating is clocking in at roughly 38%, according to The New York Times polling average, which pins his disapproval at about 59%. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

The New York Times’ tracker of daily polling on the president’s popularity put disapproval nationwide at 58% on Tuesday. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

At least Mourinho could reflect on a happy outcome for Real Madrid, even if their 2-1 victory against Inter was far from convincing and accompanied by voluble disapproval from the home crowd, much of it aimed at Vinicius Junior. — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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