was not approved

USAGE SUMMARY

'was not approved' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that something was not accepted or supported. Example sentence: The proposed budget changes were not approved by the board.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The resolution was not approved.

The New York Times

Ultimately the drug was not approved.

The New York Times - Science

For a long time, chorizo was not approved for importing.

The New York Times - Food

But the building was not approved for such loans.

The New York Times

But this building, too, was not approved for V.A. loans.

The New York Times

Another highway bond issue was not approved until 1949.

The New York Times

Mr. Murphy included a disclaimer too, saying the site was not approved by the studio.

The New York Times

As such, it was not approved of in the pre-Glasnost Soviet Union.

The Guardian - Music

The debates began in the Texas Legislature in 1993, but deregulation was not approved until 1999.

The New York Times

The reported assassination attempt was not approved or planned with C.I.A. assistance, American officials said.

The New York Times

Both boards met on Friday, and the deal was not approved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not approved", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what body held the authority to grant approval. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "was not approved" without specifying by whom. Lack of context can weaken your statement and leave the reader questioning the source of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not approved" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (proposal, request, etc.) did not receive the necessary authorization or consent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not approved" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has been rejected or did not receive authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently found in news reports and scientific articles, showcasing its neutrality and wide applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify who held the authority to grant approval to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "was rejected" or "was denied" can be used for variety, depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was rejected

Indicates a formal refusal or denial.

was denied

Implies a refusal to grant a request or application.

was disapproved

Signifies a formal expression of disagreement or dissatisfaction.

did not pass

Suggests a failure to meet a required standard or threshold, often in a voting or evaluation context.

was turned down

Indicates a refusal or rejection, often in a more informal setting.

was vetoed

Specifically refers to the act of rejecting a decision or proposal by an authority figure.

was not authorized

Highlights the absence of official permission or endorsement.

failed to gain acceptance

Emphasizes the lack of widespread support or agreement.

was found unacceptable

Indicates that something did not meet the required standards or criteria.

was not endorsed

Suggests the absence of support or recommendation from a particular group or individual.

FAQs

How can I use "was not approved" in a sentence?

You can use "was not approved" to indicate that a proposal, plan, or item did not receive the necessary authorization or agreement. For example, "The budget proposal "was not approved" by the committee".

What are some alternatives to saying "was not approved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was rejected", "was denied", or "did not pass".

Is it correct to say "wasn't approved" instead of "was not approved"?

Yes, "wasn't approved" is a contraction of "was not approved" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. Both phrases carry the same meaning.

What's the difference between "was not approved" and "was disapproved"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of acceptance, "was disapproved" often implies a stronger sense of disagreement or dissatisfaction than ""was not approved"".