frown on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

In simple words

To think something is wrong or bad, especially a behaviour, and not approve of it.

Literal meaning: To direct a frown downward upon something — the literal origin helps explain the idiomatic sense of looking down on something with disapproval.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

very common

To disapprove of a behaviour or practice, considering it wrong, inappropriate, or undesirable.

"In many offices, using your phone during meetings is frowned on."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Very commonly used to describe social norms, institutional attitudes, or personal disapproval. Often used in the passive ('it is frowned on'). Interchangeable with 'frown upon', though 'upon' is slightly more formal.

Commonly used with

behaviour practice habit attitude use of relationships

Forms

Base

frown on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

frowns on

he/she/it

Past simple

frowned on

yesterday

Past participle

frowned on

have + pp

-ing form

frowning on

continuous

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Synonyms

disapprove of frown upon look down on object to take a dim view of discourage

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