disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

Example Sentences

She married him even though her parents disapproved. The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.
Recent Examples on the Web Trea Turner hasn't had the best start to his Philadelphia Phillies tenure, and amid all the vocal displeasure fans have given the shortstop, even his own mother has disapproved of his performance. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 25 May 2023 At the same time, just 24% of Democrats approved of the court and 76% disapproved. Alexandra Marquez, NBC News, 24 May 2023 Entertainment-industry professionals are far more likely to approve of how the WGA has handled the strike — and disapprove of the studios’ response — according to an exclusive new survey from Variety Intelligence Platform in conjunction with insights firm YouGov. Audrey Schomer, Variety, 15 May 2023 More Alabama ratings The same Morning Consult poll shows 66% of respondents in Alabama disapproved of the job President Joe Biden is doing compared to 31% who approved. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 26 Apr. 2023 In Youngkin’s case, 9 in 10 voters who identify as Republican give him high marks, while about three-quarters of Democrats disapprove. Emily Guskin, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023 In an interview with GQ U.K. magazine published Monday, the 19-year-old actor seemed unshaken by any existing or potential hate from those who disapprove of the LGBTQ storylines in the show, as well as in the popular video game of the same name. Christi Carrasstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2023 The committee plans to debate and then vote on a resolution disapproving of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2023 However, some employers disapprove of the secrecy and don’t want workers anywhere besides their home office, period. Nerd Wallet, oregonlive, 17 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disapprove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprove was circa 1562

Dictionary Entries Near disapprove

Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb
dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!