disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1

: to pass unfavorable judgment on

2

: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval

disapprover noun

disapprovingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• reject
• deny
• refuse
• decline

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved.

The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest YouGov/Economist poll put his latest approval rating at an all-time low, with 39 percent approving and 57 percent disapproving. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Arendt, for one, disapproved of using the Eichmann trial for the purposes of Israeli state propaganda. —Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

The Post's poll also found that many Americans disapprove of the president's handling of some of the top issues facing the country, including the economy, immigration, tariffs, crime and the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025

Every single reliable poll shows that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for disapprove

• approve
• disprove
• improve
• remove
• reprove
• groove
• move
• prove

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

1

: to dislike or be against someone or something

disapproved the child's conduct

disapproves of smoking

2

: to refuse to give approval to : reject

disapproved the architect's plans

disapprovingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb