WordGarden.iounacceptable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnəksˈɛptəbəl/
US
- /ˌənækˈsɛptəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
not good enough, proper, or allowed to be accepted
Beyond the definition
Imagine offering your friend a beautifully baked cake, only for them to cut a slice and find that it is completely raw in the middle. They would likely wrinkle their nose and say it is "unacceptable." This word means something is not good enough, breaks a rule, or cannot be allowed. It shows that a clear line has been crossed. A behavior can be unacceptable, a condition can be unacceptable, and even an excuse can be unacceptable. Think of it as a firm "no." If your boss asks you to lie for them, that request is unacceptable.
"Unacceptable" describes something that cannot be tolerated or approved of—it falls below the required standard, violates rules, or simply doesn't meet expectations. It carries a weightier meaning than just "bad" or "wrong"; it suggests a firm rejection and often implies that there will be consequences.
You might hear "unacceptable" used in situations involving behavior: "His rude comments were unacceptable," indicating that his words crossed a line. It can also describe a condition: "The level of pollution in the city is unacceptable," meaning it is dangerous or harmful. It can even apply to excuses or explanations: "Her explanation for missing the deadline was completely unacceptable."
The context often dictates the severity of the word. Slightly burnt toast might be disappointing, but a blatant disregard for safety regulations is truly unacceptable. It is a word that signals a firm boundary and a refusal to compromise on important principles or standards. Think of it as drawing a line in the sand—something simply cannot be permitted or tolerated. It's not just about a personal preference; it's about what is considered right, proper, or permissible within a given framework.
Examples
- 1
Library noise
The level of noise in the library was unacceptable.
- 2
Service delay
A two-hour delay without any explanation is unacceptable.
- 3
Legal agreement
These contract terms are unacceptable to our legal team.
- Patternunacceptable to + person/group
not something they can agree to or allow
- 4
Workplace safety
It is unacceptable for managers to ignore safety warnings.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Privacy breach
She found it unacceptable that her private messages had been shared.
- 6
Customer service
You can't speak to customers like that. It's completely unacceptable.
See also
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Used with (collocations)
- unacceptable behavior
- unacceptable risk
- unacceptable delay
- completely unacceptable
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unacceptableadjective