Unacceptable

/ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not satisfactory or allowed; not meeting standards or expectations.
The contractor's work was deemed unacceptable due to numerous errors.
Inappropriate, offensive, or intolerable.
His behavior at the meeting was considered unacceptable by his peers.
Not able to be received or tolerated.
The delays in service were unacceptable for a company of this reputation.

Etymology

Un- meaning 'not' + acceptable, derived from Latin acceptabilis.

Common Phrases and Expressions

unacceptable behavior
Actions that are not acceptable in a social context.
unacceptable risk
A level of risk that is considered too high or intolerable.
unacceptable excuse
A reason for an action that does not justify the action.

Related Words

acceptable
Allowed or satisfactory.
exception
A case that does not follow the general rule.
approval
The action of officially agreeing to something.

Slang Meanings

Not cool
That attitude is just not cool, it's unacceptable.
Over the line
What he said was over the line, completely unacceptable.