disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1
: to pass unfavorable judgment on
2
: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval
disapprover noun
disapprovingly adverb

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved. The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
His ratings were worse in the Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego and the Inland Empire, where about 6 in 10 voters disapprove. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 However, experts suggest that China may disapprove of the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, viewing the alliance as a potential source of regional instability. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Pollster Angus Reid found in September that nearly two-thirds of respondents nationwide disapproved of Trudeau’s performance as PM. Ian Bremmer, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 According to the Journal’s survey, 42% of respondents approved of Harris’s performance as Vice President versus 54% who disapproved. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disapprove 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprove was circa 1562

Dictionary Entries Near disapprove

Cite this Entry

“Disapprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprove. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb
dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv How to pronounce disapprove (audio)
1
: to dislike or be against someone or something
disapproved the child's conduct
disapproves of smoking
2
: to refuse to give approval to : reject
disapproved the architect's plans
disapprovingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disapprove

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!