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
Trump caused quite the stir ahead of his state visit, notably going head-to-head with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was vocal in his disapproval of Trump’s impending arrival.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
On inflation and prices, approval dropped from 19 percent in May to 16 percent in July, with disapproval rising to 75 percent.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Rasmussen Reports poll from July 11 showed 48% approval and 50% disapproval of Trump.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
However, his disapproval rating slowly started to increase.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 10 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.
Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025
On inflation and prices, approval dropped from 19 percent in May to 16 percent in July, with disapproval rising to 75 percent.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Rasmussen Reports poll from July 11 showed 48% approval and 50% disapproval of Trump.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
However, his disapproval rating slowly started to increase.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 10 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 22 Jul. 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