disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1

: to deny the force, truth, or validity of

2

: to refuse to allow

disallowance

ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Synonyms

• contradict
• deny
• disaffirm
• disavow
• disclaim
• disconfirm
• disown
• gainsay
• negate
• negative
• refute
• reject
• repudiate

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

disallowing the philosophical concept of free will

Recent Examples on the Web

During an audit, a credit or deduction could be disallowed without proof. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2024

Claims are disallowed if the debt has been sold under a valid legal assignment or the supplier charged more than the customary sales price. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

As a result, the Tax Court agreed with the IRS to disallow those expenses. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

And last week, lawmakers in the U.S. put forth a bill proposing legislation called the Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act, which would disallow certain industries from using de minimis. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

: to refuse to admit or allow : reject

disallow a claim

disallowance

-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ 

1

: to deny the truth, force, or validity of

disallowed the deduction

disallow a bankruptcy claim

2

: to refuse to allow

disallow payment of benefits

disallowance noun