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

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

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

His ratings were worse in the Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire, where about 6 in 10 voters disapprove. —Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

However, experts suggest that China may disapprove of the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, viewing the alliance as a potential source of regional instability. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Pollster Angus Reid found in September that nearly two-thirds of respondents nationwide disapproved of Trudeau’s performance as PM. —Ian Bremmer, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024

According to the Journal’s survey, 42% of respondents approved of Harris’s performance as Vice President versus 54% who disapproved. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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