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

Cornyn, who is in the running to replace Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Sen. Thom Tillis plan to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act. —Robert Legare, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2024

While disapproval is highest among Democrats, Republicans and Independents also saw declines in support. —Yasmeen Serhan, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024

Public disapproval of the groom dominated newspaper headlines due to a financial dispute involving his mother that delayed the wedding. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 1 Apr. 2024

Pulling the grassroots:Top US House Democrat speaks on democracy in Tempe ahead of President Biden's visit Trump has portrayed himself as a stronger leader for the U.S. economy, tapping into what polling suggests is widespread disapproval of Biden’s handling of the issue. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024

And a New York Times/Siena College poll from December found broad voter disapproval over his handling of the conflict. —Michael Gold, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024

Critics have also expressed disapproval of the extent of data collection undertaken by TikTok. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2024

Yet many primary voters still felt compelled to register their disapproval. —USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024

Biden faces protest vote over Gaza Also on Tuesday, progressive Democrats continued an effort to voice their disapproval over Biden’s handling of the latest wave of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

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