unacceptable

adjective

un·​ac·​cept·​able ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
-ak-
: not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
unacceptability noun
unacceptably adverb

Examples of unacceptable in a Sentence

a word that is unacceptable in formal English Some of her ideas were unacceptable to other people.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The alternative — courts that fail to protect our fundamental rights — is unacceptable. Peter Martin, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025 Environmental groups have long opposed the new reservoir and objected to a shorter judicial review, saying the project will release unacceptable amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the air in addition to other adverse impacts. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 The White House told several media outlets, including NPR, that the results were unacceptable and a major cause for concern. Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 This is unacceptable, especially given that there are much more practical solutions at policymakers’ disposal to address environmental issues. Christopher B. Summers, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unacceptable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unacceptable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unacceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unacceptable. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unacceptable

adjective
un·​ac·​cept·​able ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
-ak-
: not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
unacceptably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unacceptable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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