acceptable

American  

[ak-sep-tuh-buhl] / ækˈsɛp tə bəl /

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.

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acceptable British  

/ əkˈsɛptəbəl /

adjective

1. satisfactory; adequate

2. pleasing; welcome

3. tolerable

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of acceptable

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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.

From Barron's

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

From Science Daily

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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