an unacceptable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unacceptable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance that is deemed intolerable or unsatisfactory. Example: "The ongoing delays in the project have created an unacceptable situation for our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is an unacceptable situation".

The New York Times

For us, that's an unacceptable situation".

The Guardian

It was simply an unacceptable situation.

The New York Times

This is very much an unacceptable situation.

The Guardian

He noted, however, that the "disturbing" aspects of the report added up to an "unacceptable" situation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If true, Dowd would, in effect, have surrendered editorial control to her source, an unacceptable situation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This is an absolutely unacceptable situation.

The Guardian - Books

"Overall, with the significant jump in waiting times, we are very concerned that relaxing the rules on waiting time targets as recently reported will only exacerbate an already unacceptable situation for patients.

The Guardian

"This is an absolutely unacceptable situation and one which we regret greatly.

BBC

"It's a scandal, it's outrageous and a completely unacceptable situation," he said.

Vice

This is a completely unacceptable situation, and one which the [Welsh government] must take responsibility for changing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, pair the phrase with a proposed solution or call to action. For example, "This is an unacceptable situation, and we must take immediate steps to address it."

Common error

Avoid using "an unacceptable situation" as a generic complaint. Always provide concrete reasons and context to support your assertion, or it may come across as subjective and unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unacceptable situation" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It characterizes a state of affairs as being intolerable or not meeting required standards. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing problems requiring solutions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unacceptable situation" is a commonly used phrase to describe circumstances that are considered intolerable or unsatisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide use. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, scientific, and academic contexts. It is valuable to provide context and justifications when writing the phrase. To make your writing more impactful, avoid overusing the phrase. Instead, use concrete examples and propose solutions. When alternatives are needed, consider "an intolerable situation" or "an untenable situation" to better reflect context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intolerable situation

Emphasizes the unbearable nature of the situation.

an untenable situation

Highlights the indefensibility or unsustainability of the situation.

an unsatisfactory state of affairs

More formal and focuses on the lack of fulfillment of expectations.

a regrettable situation

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment about the situation.

an undesirable circumstance

General term emphasizing the unwanted nature of the situation.

a problematic scenario

Highlights the presence of problems or difficulties.

an unwelcome development

Focuses on the negative aspect of its progression.

a deficient condition

More formal and stresses the lack of something necessary or required.

a flawed setup

Highlights that the situation has defects.

a grim reality

Emphasizes the bleak and harsh nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an unacceptable situation" in a sentence?

You can use "an unacceptable situation" to describe circumstances that are intolerable or unsatisfactory. For instance, "The lack of clean water is "an unacceptable situation" that requires immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "an unacceptable situation"?

Alternatives include "an intolerable situation", "an untenable situation", or "an unsatisfactory state of affairs", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "totally unacceptable situation"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "totally" may be seen as emphatic. Using ""an unacceptable situation"" already implies a significant degree of disapproval, so "totally" might not always be necessary.

What makes a situation "unacceptable"?

A situation is "unacceptable" when it violates established standards, ethical principles, or expected norms. It often implies negative consequences or a significant deviation from what is considered tolerable or satisfactory.