acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

ak-,

 also  ek-

1

: capable or worthy of being accepted

an acceptable noise level

socially acceptable behavior

a compromise that is acceptable to both sides

2

a

: welcome, pleasing

Compliments are always acceptable.

b

: barely satisfactory or adequate

The performances varied from excellent to acceptable.

acceptability

ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)ak-

ek-

noun

acceptableness

ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl-nəs 

ak-

noun

acceptably

ik-ˈsep-tə-blē 

ak-

 also  ek-

adverb

Synonyms

• adequate
• all right
• decent
• fairish
• fine
• good
• OK
• okay
• passable
• respectable
• satisfactory
• serviceable
• tolerable

Examples of acceptable in a Sentence

acceptable and unacceptable noise levels

It was an acceptable performance, although not an outstanding one.

She plays an acceptable game of tennis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Owners of the bridges that have higher than acceptable risk ratings should create a plan to reduce that risk, Thursday’s findings say. —Gabe Cohen, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025

The players will tell you that the way New York lost isn’t acceptable, even if the grind of its recent schedule caught up to them physically and mentally. —James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025

Pasta is always an acceptable meal, and has become a fast and convenient weeknight meal, thanks to an array of jarred sauces and options in the freezer section of grocery stores. —Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025

The Top Safety Pick awardees required an acceptable rating. —Tanya Mohn, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin acceptābilis, from Latin acceptāre "to accept" + -bilis "capable of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acceptable

• imperceptible
• unacceptable
• perceptible
• susceptible

Kids Definition

acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

ak-

1

: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory

an acceptable excuse

2

: barely good enough

plays an acceptable game

acceptability

ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

ak-

noun

acceptably

ik-ˈsep-tə-blē 

ak-

adverb