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
In a previous poll by the same group in February, Trump's approval rating was 50 percent and his disapproval rating was 48 percent.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The average on Wednesday showed Trump with a disapproval rating of 51.7 percent, the highest of his second term so far.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
Even on immigration — historically one of Trump’s best-performing issues — his disapproval rating narrowly outstripped his approval rating, 48% to 47%.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The artist repainted this portrait after Strindberg expressed his disapproval.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
The average on Wednesday showed Trump with a disapproval rating of 51.7 percent, the highest of his second term so far.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
Even on immigration — historically one of Trump’s best-performing issues — his disapproval rating narrowly outstripped his approval rating, 48% to 47%.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
The artist repainted this portrait after Strindberg expressed his disapproval.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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
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