acceptable

[ak-sep-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable or worthy of being accepted.

2. pleasing to the receiver; satisfactory; agreeable; welcome.

3. meeting only minimum requirements; barely adequate.

   an acceptable performance.

4. capable of being endured; tolerable; bearable.

   acceptable levels of radiation.

acceptable

/ əkˈsɛptəbəl /

adjective

1. satisfactory; adequate

2. pleasing; welcome

3. tolerable

Other Word Forms

• acceptability noun
• acceptableness noun
• acceptably adverb
• unacceptability noun
• unacceptable adjective
• unacceptableness noun
• unacceptably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acceptable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word acceptābilis. See accept, -able

Example Sentences

Roughly 94% of fliers have presented an acceptable form of identification since the requirement went into effect.

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"All of this occurs in a larger global context where radical ideas are more mainstream and socially acceptable, manifested in this particular Croatian context," he said.

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In a Reformation context where certain religious images were restricted, maps of the Holy Land became acceptable visual aids and took on devotional significance.

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And it was considered acceptable for a range of activities, just like the man’s suit and shirt it was modeled on, making it the way to dress.

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Antimony, which can trigger gastrointestinal problems, and chromium, a known carcinogen, were present above acceptable levels in 24.3% and 20% of the toys, respectively.

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Related Words

• adequate 
• common 
• decent 
• fair 
• respectable 
• sufficient 
• tolerable