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
Majorities of Californians disapprove of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s performance, with a 54% disapproval rating.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
In a Quinnipiac poll released on April 9, the president's approval rating was 41 percent with a disapproval rating of 53 percent.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
May 12-13 poll, while his disapproval rating held at 52%.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Trump had been vocal about his disapproval of the ban and his belief that Rose should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame as the leader for games played (3,562) and hits (4,256).
—Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for disapproval
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Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
In a Quinnipiac poll released on April 9, the president's approval rating was 41 percent with a disapproval rating of 53 percent.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
May 12-13 poll, while his disapproval rating held at 52%.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Trump had been vocal about his disapproval of the ban and his belief that Rose should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame as the leader for games played (3,562) and hits (4,256).
—Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 5 June 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 18 Jun. 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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