unacceptable
uhn-ak-SEHP-tuh-bl
Unacceptable (adj) means not good enough to be allowed, approved of, or tolerated. Example: “Leaving rubbish in the street is unacceptable in our neighbourhood.”
adj
1
Not good enough to be allowed, approved of, or tolerated.
"Leaving rubbish in the street is unacceptable in our neighbourhood."
"The manager said the delay in shipping was unacceptable."
"His rude comments were completely unacceptable in a professional setting."
How to use unacceptable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo far below standard, or so inappropriate, that it cannot be permitted or excused.
Common pairings
unacceptable behavior
deem something unacceptable
totally unacceptable
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Word forms
- Plural
- unacceptables
- Comparative
- more unacceptable
- Superlative
- most unacceptable
Fill the gap
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Leaving rubbish in the street is _____ in our neighbourhood.
Etymology
From Middle English unacceptabylle, built from un- plus acceptable.
Synonyms
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intolerable
inadmissible
objectionable
unsatisfactory
impermissible
insupportable
impossible
unaccepted
inacceptable
out of bounds
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unacceptable
See all rhymes for unacceptable →Frequently asked questions
What does “unacceptable” mean?
The word “unacceptable” means not good enough to be allowed, approved of, or tolerated. In plain terms, so far below standard, or so inappropriate, that it cannot be permitted or excused.
How do you pronounce “unacceptable”?
“Unacceptable” is pronounced uhn-ak-SEHP-tuh-bl (/ˌʌn.ækˈsɛp.tə.bl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “unacceptable” in a sentence?
Here is “unacceptable” used in a sentence: “The manager said the delay in shipping was unacceptable.”
What is another word for “unacceptable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unacceptable” include inacceptable and out of bounds.
What is the opposite of “unacceptable”?
The opposite of “unacceptable” — its antonyms — is acceptable.
What part of speech is “unacceptable”?
“Unacceptable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unacceptable” come from?
The word “unacceptable” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unacceptabylle, built from un- plus acceptable.
Is “unacceptable” a common word?
“Unacceptable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "unacceptable" and "inacceptable"?
Both mean not able to be accepted, but "unacceptable" is the standard and far more common form in modern English. "Inacceptable" is rare and can sound old-fashioned, so "unacceptable" is almost always the better choice.
What is the difference between "unacceptable" and "inappropriate"?
"Unacceptable" means not good enough to be allowed or tolerated and is strongly disapproving, while "inappropriate" means not suitable for a particular situation. Behaviour can be inappropriate without being fully unacceptable, but "unacceptable" implies it cannot be permitted at all.
Is "unacceptable" a strong word?
Yes, "unacceptable" is a strong, firm term signalling that something will not be tolerated or approved, and it is common in complaints and official statements. Softer alternatives include "not ideal," "disappointing," or "unsatisfactory" when a milder tone is wanted.
What nouns commonly follow "unacceptable"?
"Unacceptable" often precedes behaviour, risk, level, conduct, and delay, as in "unacceptable behaviour" and "unacceptable risk." It appears frequently in formal complaints, workplace policies, and official warnings.
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