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
The President is distrusted on the economy and has, per Fox News, a disapproval rating of an astonishing fifty-nine per cent.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
China is Pyongyang’s biggest trading partner and major ally, but Beijing has expressed disapproval over the years at North Korea’s test-launches of missiles that could be used to target South Korea and the United States.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The New York Times daily average of polls showed a 40% approval and 56% disapproval as of March 27.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Sewell acknowledged there’s disapproval and that some investors lost money.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
China is Pyongyang’s biggest trading partner and major ally, but Beijing has expressed disapproval over the years at North Korea’s test-launches of missiles that could be used to target South Korea and the United States.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
The New York Times daily average of polls showed a 40% approval and 56% disapproval as of March 27.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Sewell acknowledged there’s disapproval and that some investors lost money.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
Cite this Entry
“Disapproval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapproval. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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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