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
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, 8 Aug. 2025
Trump's approval rating in the same poll is 46 percent versus a 51 percent disapproval rating.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
On July 30, the Senate considered two joint resolutions to show disapproval of exporting weapons to Israel.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Outside of the Senate, however, some conservative voices have also voiced disapproval of ongoing U.S. support of Israel.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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.
Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Trump's approval rating in the same poll is 46 percent versus a 51 percent disapproval rating.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
On July 30, the Senate considered two joint resolutions to show disapproval of exporting weapons to Israel.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Outside of the Senate, however, some conservative voices have also voiced disapproval of ongoing U.S. support of Israel.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 31 July 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 20 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share