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
His lowest rating is on perceptions of his handling of the general cost of living in the country, with a 76% disapproval and 23% approval.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 3 May 2026
And the president's job approval rating dipping to 37 percent near the lows of his first term, with his disapproval now standing at 62 percent, a record high.
—ABC News, 3 May 2026
Most recently in her postpartum posting, Kuch took to social media to clap back at trolls, expressing disapproval and distaste for her second daughter's name.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
No wonder the public’s view of Congress has matched its all-time worst in the Gallup poll, reaching 86 percent disapproval in a survey released last week.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 3 May 2026
And the president's job approval rating dipping to 37 percent near the lows of his first term, with his disapproval now standing at 62 percent, a record high.
—ABC News, 3 May 2026
Most recently in her postpartum posting, Kuch took to social media to clap back at trolls, expressing disapproval and distaste for her second daughter's name.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
No wonder the public’s view of Congress has matched its all-time worst in the Gallup poll, reaching 86 percent disapproval in a survey released last week.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 1 May 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 5 May. 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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