severe disapproval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe disapproval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong negative judgment or condemnation of someone's actions or behavior. Example: "The committee expressed severe disapproval of the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The F.B.I. in most places and the Illinois State Police, for example, have fostered a culture of severe disapproval for law officers' stretching the truth.

The New York Times

Mores are more coercive than folkways: relatively mild disapproval follows an infringement of a folkway; severe disapproval or punishment follows the breaking of mores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Through condemnations issued by the UN general assembly and human rights council and bold steps taken by the Arab League and the government of Turkey, international bodies are starting to match their severe disapproval of Syria's bloody crackdown with concrete steps to bring it to an end," Rice said.

The Guardian

Although suicide is no longer a crime in most countries, and suicides are no longer buried, as they once were, at a crossroads with a stake through their hearts, severe disapproval of suicide survives in a different form.Today it is widely perceived as a medical problem, almost exclusively the result of mental or emotional instability.

The Economist

According to David Frith, the only time he was moved to express severe disapproval was when Brian Close was dismissed after a poor shot in the Fourth Test in 1961 at Old Trafford; this was part of a final-day England collapse that handed Australia the match and a 2 1 series win after the hosts had been on course for victory and the series lead.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Below her purple, geometrically patterned head wrap of African cloth, severe grandmotherly disapproval seized her face.

The New York Times - Magazine

Social stigma is a severe social disapproval of, or personal discontent with, a person on the grounds of his unique characteristics distinguishing him from others in society [ 74].

BMC Pediatrics

Such arguments provided women with access to less-severe forms of public disapproval and familial suspicion than they might have otherwise received.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For these reasons, total disapproval of the effect of DC in severe TBI by some authors [ 7] is inappropriate.

Critical Care

Earlier studies investigating patients with severe congenital facial disfigurement reported that the main problems are on the social functioning level due to prejudices and reactions of disapproval by others [ 17, 25].

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

A Chorus of Disapproval.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe disapproval" when you want to emphasize a strong negative reaction or judgment. Ensure that the context clearly warrants such a strong term to avoid overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "severe disapproval" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in such settings. Opt for milder terms like "strong dislike" or "disagreement" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe disapproval" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" intensifies the noun "disapproval". It denotes a strong negative judgment or condemnation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English, and is often found in formal contexts to express strong disagreement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe disapproval" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a strong negative judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it is most appropriately used in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, where a serious and objective tone is required. While not as common as simpler terms like "disapproval", its intensity makes it suitable for situations demanding a strong expression of disagreement or condemnation. When choosing alternative phrases, consider nuances such as "strong condemnation" or "harsh criticism" to best fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong condemnation

Emphasizes the act of condemning rather than the feeling of disapproval.

harsh criticism

Highlights the critical nature of the disapproval.

intense dissatisfaction

Focuses on the feeling of being unsatisfied.

vehement objection

Stresses a forceful and passionate disagreement.

extreme censure

Emphasizes official or formal disapproval.

fierce opposition

Highlights resistance and antagonism.

deep resentment

Focuses on the prolonged feeling of bitterness.

unyielding rejection

Emphasizes the firmness and finality of the disapproval.

total disapprobation

A more formal synonym, indicating complete lack of approval.

emphatic denunciation

Highlights a strong, public condemnation.

FAQs

How to use "severe disapproval" in a sentence?

You can use "severe disapproval" to express strong disagreement or condemnation. For example, "The committee expressed "severe disapproval" of the proposed budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "severe disapproval"?

You can use alternatives like "strong condemnation", "harsh criticism", or "intense dissatisfaction depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "severe disapproval"?

It is appropriate when describing a significant negative reaction, often in formal or serious contexts. It implies a stronger reaction than simple "disapproval".

What's the difference between "disapproval" and "severe disapproval"?

"Disapproval" indicates a general negative sentiment, while ""severe disapproval"" implies a much stronger and more intense negative reaction or judgment.