Unacceptable

Definition

Unacceptable refers to something that is not satisfactory or allowable.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌʌnækˈsɛptəbəl/
• Respelling: uhn-ak-SEP-tuh-buhl (with "uhn" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "fun," "ak" as in "back," "SEP" as in "septum," and "tuh-buhl" as in "table" but with a schwa sound in the second syllable)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnækˈsɛptəb(ə)l/
• Respelling: uhn-ak-SEP-tuh-buhl (similar to American English, with "uhn" as in "fun," "ak" like in "back," "SEP" as in "septum," and "tuh-buhl" similar to "table" with a schwa sound in the second syllable)

In both dialects, "unacceptable" is pronounced with the primary stress on the "SEP" syllable. The word starts with "uhn," a schwa sound akin to the 'u' in "fun," followed by "ak," then "SEP," and ending with "tuh-buhl," where the final syllable has a muted vowel sound, similar to the 'a' in "sofa." The pronunciation is quite similar between American and British English, with the primary differences potentially in the subtle nuances of vowel sounds and intonation.

Etymology

The word "unacceptable" is formed from the prefix "un-", meaning "not", and "acceptable", which originates from the Latin word "acceptabilis", derived from "acceptare", meaning to receive willingly.

Derivatives

• Unacceptably
• Unacceptance
• Unaccepted
• Unaccepting
• Unacceptability

Synonyms

• Intolerable
• Insufferable
• Inadmissible

Antonyms

• Acceptable
• Tolerable
• Permissible

Usage

• "Such behavior is completely unacceptable in a professional setting."
• "The quality of the product was deemed unacceptable by the consumers."

Related Terms

• Reject
• Unsatisfactory
• Inadequate
• Not up to par
• Substandard

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Not Satisfactory or Allowable: Not adequate, satisfactory, or tolerable; not worthy of acceptance.
• Example: Her late submissions became unacceptable and were eventually penalized.

• Not Meeting Standards: Not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the necessary standard or requirements.
• Example: The risks associated with the venture are unacceptable.

• Not Suitable: Not appropriate or suitable in the circumstances.
• Example: Such a response is unacceptable in a civilized society.