Meaning & use

frowned upon

phrase·Academic

Regarded with disapproval; considered socially unacceptable or improper.

See it in a sentence

Chewing loudly at the dinner table is frowned upon in many cultures.

Arriving late to a job interview is generally frowned upon.

A note on using this word

This phrase is used almost exclusively in the passive form, as in 'is frowned upon,' rather than as a standalone verb.

Words with a similar meaning

disapproved oflooked down on

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

encouragedwelcomed

Make it your own

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