disapproval

noun

dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce disapproval (audio)
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 disapprovalAdam 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rasmussen Reports poll from July 3 showed 49% approval and 48% disapproval of Trump. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025 June 30-3: Trump’s disapproval rating improved from 53% to 50% in Morning Consult’s weekly poll compared to its survey last week, while his approval rating increased from 45% to 47% (the survey of 2,202 registered voters was conducted June 27-29 and has a two-point margin of error). Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 His disapproval rating rose to 50 percent, up from 49 percent in the previous poll. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Despite Trump's disapproval, Massie has consistently won reelection by large margins in his heavily pro-Trump district. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disapproval

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapproval was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disapproval

noun
dis·​ap·​prov·​al ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-vəl How to pronounce disapproval (audio)
1
: the act of disapproving : the state of being disapproved
frowned in disapproval
2
: unfavorable opinion or judgment : criticism
the plan met with disapproval

More from Merriam-Webster on disapproval

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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