thumbs-down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, neutral, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “thumbs-down” mean?
A gesture or signal of disapproval, rejection, or failure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gesture or signal of disapproval, rejection, or failure.
A sign or expression of rejection, often used metaphorically to indicate a negative decision or outcome. Can refer to both the physical gesture and the abstract concept of disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Spelling is consistent. The compound noun form ('thumbs-down') is standard in both. In verb form, 'to thumbs-down' exists but is less common than 'to give something the thumbs-down'.
Connotations
Identical connotations of rejection or disapproval. No significant regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media, but common in both varieties. The metaphorical use is prevalent in business and review contexts globally.
Grammar
How to Use “thumbs-down” in a Sentence
V + the + N (give/get/receive the thumbs-down)V + N + prep + NP (give the thumbs-down to the proposal)N + V (the thumbs-down came from the board)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thumbs-down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee are likely to thumbs-down the new planning application.
American English
- The network decided to thumbs-down the pilot episode.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe the rejection of a proposal, project, or business plan by management or investors.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in media/cultural studies discussing symbols or gestures.
Everyday
Common in discussions about reviews, opinions, and decisions (e.g., film reviews, family decisions).
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts unless describing UI/UX feedback mechanisms (e.g., a thumbs-down button).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thumbs-down”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thumbs-down”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thumbs-down”
- Writing as two separate words without a hyphen ('thumbs down' as a noun).
- Confusing with 'thumbs up' in fast speech.
- Using it as a verb without the article ('They thumbs-downed it' is non-standard; prefer 'They gave it the thumbs-down').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is a hyphenated compound: 'thumbs-down'. When used as a verb phrase ('to thumb down'), it is two words.
It is considered informal. In formal contexts, use synonyms like 'rejection', 'disapproval', or 'veto'.
The direct opposite is 'thumbs-up', signifying approval or acceptance.
No, it's uncommon and often seen as informal or journalistic. The phrase 'to give the thumbs-down' is the standard construction.
A gesture or signal of disapproval, rejection, or failure.
Thumbs-down: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθʌmz ˈdaʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθʌmz ˈdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The final thumbs-down”
- “To give something the big thumbs-down”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Roman emperor in the Colosseum pointing his thumb DOWN to seal a gladiator's fate — a clear sign of disapproval and rejection.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION/FAILURE IS A DOWNWARD GESTURE (contrasted with APPROVAL/SUCCESS IS AN UPWARD GESTURE).
Practice
Quiz
In which historical context did the 'thumbs-down' gesture originate?