unacceptable
Britishadjective
-
not satisfactory; inadequate
the standard was wholly unacceptable
-
intolerable
hitting children is unacceptable
Explanation
Something unacceptable is not okay — it's objectionable or displeasing. Hey, are you yelling in the library? That's unacceptable! If a student's behavior is unacceptable, she may get detention or be sent to the principal's office. And if a restaurant patron's meal is unacceptable, he has every right to ask his server for something else. The adjective unacceptable adds the "not" prefix un- to acceptable, "suitable, adequate, or pleasing." We can trace the roots back to the Latin acceptare, "take or receive willingly."
Vocabulary lists containing unacceptable
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.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the visit as unacceptable and officials lodged protests with Russia.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
In a joint statement, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the decision "unacceptable", external and urged Israel to "retract the plans immediately".
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
Chester Zoo's chief executive has said plans to build an underground pipeline that will cut through wildlife and habitats on the site are "unacceptable".
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
The number of aid workers killed worldwide in 2025 reached 350, with the most fatalities in Gaza and Sudan, the United Nations said Wednesday, calling attacks on humanitarians "unacceptable."
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
“I guess there isn’t a rule book for what might be unacceptable to do to another human being.”
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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.
