acceptable
Americanadjective
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capable or worthy of being accepted.
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pleasing to the receiver; satisfactory; agreeable; welcome.
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meeting only minimum requirements; barely adequate.
an acceptable performance.
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capable of being endured; tolerable; bearable.
acceptable levels of radiation.
adjective
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satisfactory; adequate
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pleasing; welcome
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tolerable
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of acceptable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word acceptābilis. See accept, -able
Explanation
Something that is acceptable is satisfactory or proper for whatever purpose it is considered; it may not be all that’s hoped for, but it's at least adequate. A grade of “A” is best, but is a grade of "C" acceptable? It depends on whom you ask. The word acceptable means "able to accept," a word that comes from the Latin acceptare, which meant "to take willingly." Although the word acceptable suggests something that is fine, it sometimes suggests the least that would be sufficient, and can carry a somewhat negative connotation, as was the case when Franz Kafka wrote, "Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable."
Vocabulary lists containing acceptable
List 2
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Real Nice!
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Essential English Vocabulary, List 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It isn't acceptable that things like head injury assessment protocols in rugby are largely based on data from men and then slightly adapted for women," she said.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The review presents processed Polygonum multiflorum as a more acceptable option for some patients, but it does not suggest that people should self treat without guidance.
From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026
“However, the acceptable sources are limited to family members and romantic partners, and gift funds can’t be used on investment properties.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
A complete list of acceptable forms of voter identification to use when voting in person for the first time can be found here.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Although William tried to find acceptable projects, he could never predict what the NSA might censor.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
