What does disapproval mean?
Disapproval is the feeling or expression of judging someone or something to be wrong, unwelcome, or unacceptable. As an abstract noun, it covers everything from a parent's frown at a child's manners to a community's collective rejection of a controversial policy. Unlike anger or contempt, disapproval implies a standard being applied: the person disapproving holds something up against a rule, value, or expectation and finds it wanting. The word is uncountable in normal use and sits comfortably in both everyday and formal contexts — one can 'express disapproval', 'meet with disapproval', or simply regard something 'with disapproval'. Its tone is usually measured rather than hostile; a look of disapproval can be entirely silent. Derived from the verb 'approve', which traces back through Old French to Latin 'probare' (to test or judge as good), it is essentially the negation of approval. It remains one of the most useful words for describing quiet social judgement.
nounThe feeling or expression of a negative judgment about someone or something; the attitude of considering a person, action, or thing to be unacceptable or wrong.
- A feeling of dislike or negative judgment toward someone or something considered wrong or unacceptable.
- The outward expression of such judgment, whether by words, gestures, or official action.
"She glanced at the messy kitchen with quiet disapproval."
"He raised an eyebrow in silent disapproval of the plan."
"The proposal met with strong public disapproval and was eventually withdrawn."
Rarely used; the noun is almost always treated as uncountable. Plural forms appear only occasionally in literary or stylistic writing.
"The diaries record all his petty disapprovals of fashionable society."
Disapproval hides in plain sight everywhere — it's one of the few emotions English names that we most often express without saying a word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disapproval
Disapproval derives from the verb 'approve' combined with the prefix 'dis-' and the noun-forming suffix '-al'. 'Approve' came into Middle English from Old French 'aprouver', from Latin 'approbare' (to assent to, deem good), built on 'probus' meaning good or worthy. Cognates sharing this Latin root include 'prove', 'probation', and 'probable'. The noun 'disapproval' emerged in English around the late 17th century as a straightforward negation of 'approval'.
How disapproval is actually used
Disapproval is an uncountable noun in standard usage; it is rarely pluralised. It ranges from neutral to mildly formal register and often carries a connotation of restrained judgement — raised eyebrows, silence, or polite objection — rather than open hostility.
Easily confused with disapproval
Both mean disapproval, but 'disapprobation' is a far more formal, literary term for condemnation, whereas 'disapproval' is the ordinary everyday word.