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

• 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

June 16-12: Trump’s approval rating remained stagnant at 42% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken June 11-16, compared to the groups’ May poll, but his disapproval rating increased two points, to 54%, in the latest survey of 4,258 U.S. adults (margin of error 2). —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

During his first term, polling indicated a higher level of disapproval for Trump's handling of immigration. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 14 June 2025

Trump is signing resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to bar California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, which has been adopted by 11 other states and representing a third of the U.S. auto market. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Veteran Janessa Goldbeck has also voiced her disapproval over the Trump Administration's federalization of California’s National Guard. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disapproval

• reapproval
• approval
• removal

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