Disapprove

/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

verbmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To consider something wrong or unacceptable; to express an unfavorable opinion.

/ˌdɪsəˈpruːv/

verbnegativemedium
General

To have or express an unfavorable opinion of something.

The teacher disapproved of the students' disruptive behavior.

💡 Simply: Think of it like giving a thumbs-down. When you disapprove of something, you're saying you don't like it or think it's a good idea. Like when your friend suggests wearing mismatched socks – you might disapprove!

👶 For kids: To think something is not okay or that you don't like it.

More Examples

2

My parents disapproved of my late-night outings.

3

The board of directors disapproved the merger plan.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"The parents disapproved of their son's decision to quit school."

Formal Setting

"The committee disapproved the proposal due to insufficient funding."

Ethics

"Many people disapprove of unethical behavior."

From Old French *desaprouver*, from *des-* (dis-) + *aprouver* (to approve), from Latin *probare* (to prove, test, approve).

The word 'disapprove' has been used in similar contexts since at least the 16th century, indicating a judgment of something as wrong or undesirable.

Memory tip

Imagine disapproving of someone's actions; you're essentially 'un-approving'.

disaproovedesapprove

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written