are unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are unacceptable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not acceptable or that it goes against your standards/expectations. For example: "The results of the experiment are unacceptable; we need to try again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Are there sources that are unacceptable?

WikiHow

These things are unacceptable".

Independent

Gimmicks, however, are unacceptable.

The New York Times

These statistics are unacceptable.

Stanford University

These gaps are unacceptable".

The New York Times

These figures are unacceptable.

The Guardian

Gilead's actions are unacceptable.

The Guardian

They are unacceptable..

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When explanations are unacceptable, careers are damaged.

Forbes

"These actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated".

Vice

The current conditions are unacceptable".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unacceptable", clearly state the reason for the unacceptability to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "These terms are unacceptable", specify "These terms are unacceptable due to the high interest rates."

Common error

Avoid using "are unacceptable" as a blanket statement without providing context or specific reasons. This can come across as dismissive and unhelpful. Instead, always follow up with an explanation to clarify your position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unacceptable" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a plural noun or pronoun. It expresses a negative judgment, indicating that the subject does not meet certain standards or expectations. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are unacceptable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying disapproval or rejection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate adjective and serves to express a negative judgment across diverse contexts, most prominently in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific reasons for the unacceptability to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse without proper context to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. There are also numerous alternatives to "are unacceptable" that one can use to add variety to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are inadmissible

Similar in expressing that something cannot be allowed or accepted, particularly in formal contexts like legal proceedings.

are intolerable

Implies that something is unbearable and cannot be endured.

are indefensible

Suggests that something cannot be justified or defended, often implying a moral failing.

are unjustifiable

Similar to 'indefensible', but focuses on the lack of valid reasons or excuses.

are impermissible

Indicates that something is not allowed, often due to rules or regulations.

are objectionable

Highlights that something is likely to cause disapproval or offense.

are unsuitable

Focuses on the inappropriateness of something for a particular purpose or situation.

are unsatisfactory

Indicates that something fails to meet expectations or requirements.

are reprehensible

Emphasizes that something is highly deserving of criticism and condemnation.

are out of the question

Expresses that something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

FAQs

How can I use "are unacceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "are unacceptable" to express disapproval or rejection of something. For example, "These delays are unacceptable", or "Such behavior is unacceptable in a professional environment".

What phrases can I use instead of "are unacceptable"?

You can use alternatives like "are inadmissible", "are intolerable", or "are unjustifiable" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "is unacceptable" or "are unacceptable"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is unacceptable" with singular nouns (e.g., "This behavior is unacceptable"). Use "are unacceptable" with plural nouns (e.g., "These actions are unacceptable").

What's the difference between "are unacceptable" and "are undesirable"?

"Are unacceptable" implies a stronger level of rejection or disapproval, suggesting that something cannot be tolerated. "Are undesirable" simply means that something is not wanted or preferred but may still be tolerated.