disapprove
gb/dˌɪsəpɹˈuv/ us/dˌɪsəpɹˈuv/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
state
1
think something is wrong
To think something is not good or not acceptable.
Usage pattern:
disapprove (of) [something/someone] ; disapprove (of) [someone] doing [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse disapprove with disagree: you can disagree without judging something as wrong; disapprove usually includes a negative judgment.
Synonyms
dislike (Often more personal taste; disapprove suggests a judgment about right/wrong or acceptability.)
|
object (Emphasizes stating opposition, often aloud.)
|
condemn (Stronger and more public/forceful than disapprove.)
Antonyms
approve (To think something is good or acceptable.)
|
support (To actively back an idea or action, not just accept it.)
Collocations
disapprove of something
|disapprove of someone
|strongly disapprove
|disapprove deeply
|disapprove of the idea
|disapprove of the plan
|disapprove of the behavior
|disapprove of the decision
|disapprove of someone doing something
|generally disapprove
Themes
opinions
|emotions
|social_norms
Examples
- Her parents disapproved of the way he spoke to her.
- Many people disapprove of using phones during meals.
- I don’t disapprove of the idea, but I think it needs more planning.
Learner examples
- My teacher disapproves of cheating.
- I disapprove of smoking indoors.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
refuse to approve officially
To officially say “no” to a plan or request.
Usage pattern:
disapprove [a plan/proposal/application/request]
Common mistake:
In this meaning, disapprove can take a direct object (disapprove a proposal). In everyday speech, people more often say reject or refuse to approve.
Synonyms
reject (More common and direct; focuses on saying no.)
|
refuse (Highlights the act of not granting permission/approval.)
|
decline (More polite or official-sounding than reject.)
Antonyms
approve (To officially accept or authorize.)
|
authorize (Emphasizes giving formal permission or power.)
Collocations
disapprove a proposal
|disapprove a plan
|disapprove an application
|disapprove a request
|disapprove a measure
|disapprove a motion
|formally disapprove
|disapprove unanimously
|the committee disapproved
|the board disapproved
Themes
business
|government
|law
|administration
Examples
- The regulator disapproved the merger on competition grounds.
- The board disapproved the budget revision after a brief debate.
- His visa application was disapproved due to missing documents.
Learner examples
- The committee disapproved the plan.
- They approved my first request but disapproved the second.
Verb
B2
action
3
show you do not approve
To show that you think something is not acceptable.
Usage pattern:
disapprove ; disapprove at [something]
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse disapprove (showing a negative judgment) with disprove (showing something is false).
Synonyms
frown (Focuses on facial expression rather than the judgment itself.)
|
protest (Stronger; implies speaking out against something.)
Antonyms
nod (A gesture often used to signal agreement/approval.)
|
praise (To express approval positively and explicitly.)
Collocations
disapprove silently
|disapprove openly
|disapprove strongly
|disapprove immediately
|disapprove at the suggestion
|disapprove at the remark
|look disapproving
|shake your head in disapproval
|disapprove of what you hear
|disapprove when you see it
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social_norms
Examples
- He disapproved when he heard how much it would cost.
- She said nothing, but her expression clearly disapproved.
- The audience disapproved loudly as the speaker continued.
Learner examples
- My dad disapproved when I came home late.
Grammar
Dictionary form
disapprove
IPA
GB/dˌɪsəpɹˈuv/
US/dˌɪsəpɹˈuv/
Syllables & stress
dis - ap - prove (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (prove)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: disapprove
- 3rd Person Singular: disapproves
- Present Participle: disapproving
- Past: disapproved
Word family
Forms
disapproves
verb
disapproving
verb
disapproved
verb
Core family
disapproval
noun B2
Related words
disapprovingly
adverb
Expressions
be disapproved of
1/bˈi dˌɪsəpɹˈuvd əv/
fixed phrase
be seen as unacceptable
To be something that people think is wrong or not acceptable.
Examples
- In some workplaces, visible tattoos are still disapproved of.
- Public displays of affection may be disapproved of in more conservative communities.
- Late-night parties are often disapproved of by the neighbors.
disapprove of
1/dˌɪsəpɹˈuv əv/
fixed phrase
not approve of something
To think something is not acceptable.
Examples
- I disapprove of people speaking loudly on the train.
- They disapprove of the way she runs the team.
- Most doctors disapprove of self-diagnosing online.