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
Carr expressed disapproval of left-leaning late-night TV hosts.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Trump fares worst on tariffs, where his approval has dropped to 39 percent against 57 percent disapproval in September, leaving him 18 points underwater.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Republican leaders said that Carr overstepped by pressuring Disney to take action against Kimmel, while Democrats also voiced disapproval.
—Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Opinions on the president's handling of the two most significant foreign policy crises − the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars − hit similarly low benchmarks with majority disapprovals.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Sep. 2025
Trump fares worst on tariffs, where his approval has dropped to 39 percent against 57 percent disapproval in September, leaving him 18 points underwater.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Republican leaders said that Carr overstepped by pressuring Disney to take action against Kimmel, while Democrats also voiced disapproval.
—Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
Opinions on the president's handling of the two most significant foreign policy crises − the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars − hit similarly low benchmarks with majority disapprovals.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 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 29 Sep. 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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