Word
disapproval
Phoneticsdis·ap·proval
US/dɪsəˈpɹuvəɫ/
UK/dˌɪsɐpɹˈuːvəl/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the feeling that you do not like or agree with something. You show this when you think someone's behavior is wrong or bad.
n. the expression or feeling of an unfavourable opinion; a lack of acceptance regarding someone's actions or beliefs.
Examples
“She looked at his messy room with clear disapproval.”
“The proposed tax increase met with strong disapproval from local business owners during the town hall meeting.”
“Despite the public's vocal disapproval of the new legislation, the committee moved forward with the vote, citing long-term economic stability as their primary justification.”
Examples
simple
“She looked at his messy room with clear disapproval.”
contextual
“The proposed tax increase met with strong disapproval from local business owners during the town hall meeting.”
complex
“Despite the public's vocal disapproval of the new legislation, the committee moved forward with the vote, citing long-term economic stability as their primary justification.”
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'of' to indicate the object of the negative opinion.
Pitfall
his disapproval for the plan
his disapproval of the plan
The noun disapproval almost always takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'for' or 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“I’m not leading a movement.”
The global disapproval of teenagers’ use of tech needs to be tempered by an understanding that it is going to remain a core part of their culture, she argues.” “Again they have shown disapproval at Barcelona’s behaviour in their pursuit of Álvarez.” Etymology
From dis- + approval.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/disapproval