disfavor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Literary
Quick answer
What does “disfavor” mean?
Disapproval, dislike, or a state of being out of favour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Disapproval, dislike, or a state of being out of favour; to regard or treat with disapproval.
In broader contexts, it can refer to the act of slighting someone or putting them at a disadvantage, or to a condition of being held in low esteem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English strongly prefers the spelling 'disfavour'. American English uses 'disfavor'. The noun is more common than the verb in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar in both, implying formal disapproval or a lack of patronage.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more common in American English texts (relative to 'disfavour').
Grammar
How to Use “disfavor” in a Sentence
[Noun] + fall into + disfavor[Subject] + view/look upon + [Object] + with disfavor[Subject] + disfavor + [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disfavor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee disfavoured the proposed amendment.
American English
- The governor disfavors any new tax legislation.
adjective
British English
- The disfavoured candidate withdrew from the race.
- It was a disfavoured theory in academic circles.
American English
- He held a disfavored position within the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A product or policy may fall into disfavor with consumers or management.
Academic
Used in historical/political texts to describe a person or theory losing official or scholarly approval.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously for formal effect.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disfavor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disfavor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disfavor”
- Using it in casual contexts where 'dislike' or 'don't like' is more natural.
- Incorrect spelling in respective dialects (e.g., 'disfavor' in a UK text).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal/literary word of relatively low frequency. 'Disapproval' or 'dislike' are more common in everyday speech.
'Disfavor' is more formal and often implies an official or social dimension of withheld approval. 'Dislike' is a general term for personal aversion.
Yes, but it is less common than the noun form. It means 'to regard or treat with disapproval' (e.g., 'The judge disfavored that line of argument').
The standard British spelling is 'disfavour' (with a 'u').
Disapproval, dislike, or a state of being out of favour.
Disfavor is usually formal / literary in register.
Disfavor: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfeɪvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fall from favour/disfavor”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS- (not) + FAVOR (approval) = a lack of approval.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAVOR/APPROVAL IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT ONE CAN HOLD OR LOSE (fall into disfavor).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'disfavor' LEAST likely to be used?