The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word OBJECT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
O
B
J
E
C
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Nine/express disapproval" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case nine/express disapproval = object.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OBJECT mean?
OBJECT noun- A thing that has physical existence.
- Objective; the goal, end or purpose of something.
- (grammar) The noun phrase which is an internal complement of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase. In a verb phrase with a transitive action verb, it is typically the receiver of the action.
- A person or thing toward which an emotion is directed.
- An instantiation of a class or structure.
- An element within a category upon which functions operate. Thus, a category consists of a set of element objects and the functions that operate on them.
- Sight; show; appearance; aspect.
- To disagree with or oppose something or someone; (especially in a Court of Law) to raise an objection.
- To offer in opposition as a criminal charge or by way of accusation or reproach; to adduce as an objection or adverse reason.
- To set before or against; to bring into opposition; to oppose.