inexcusable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inexcusable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not acceptable and for which there is no reasonable excuse. For example, "The teacher's inexcusable behavior was a shock to everyone in the classroom".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What Cantona did on Wednesday night was, of course, diabolical and inexcusable.

The Guardian - Sport

The abuse that I got after the event – from Ferguson, from Cantona himself and the media – is inexcusable".

The Guardian - Sport

From the information I have, it looks inexcusable".

The Guardian - Business

Andrew Tyrie, the MP who chairs the Treasury select committee, described Barclays' activities as "inexcusable".

The Guardian - Business

"The colleagues on the panel today were victims of an inexcusable crime, and they deserve to be treated with the respect one gives to the recently bereaved, whatever one might think about their work," it said in part.

The Guardian

He may be victim of an incorrigible cronyism, and his overdue attempt to reform Britain's welfare state has left many rough edges, some of them inexcusable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Roy Herron, chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, called Lauten's words "cruel, outrageous and inexcusable", an "unprecedented low in Washington mudslinging" and "absolutely toxic for our civic life and political culture".

The Guardian

And that is why it is inexcusable".

The Guardian - Sport

Republicans have railed against this version of events as inexcusable incompetence if not wilful deceit.

The Economist

Tom Donohue, the boss of the powerful US Chamber of Commerce, this week excoriated the "inexcusable and unethical behaviour" of some of his kind.

The Economist

What is inexcusable is that the budget treats the cash as revenue, not as a debt that will have to be repaid.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inexcusable" to clearly convey that an action or behavior is completely unacceptable and cannot be justified. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'bad' or 'wrong'.

Common error

Avoid using "inexcusable" in everyday situations where a milder term would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when you need to express serious disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inexcusable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as not justifiable or defensible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inexcusable" is an adjective used to describe something that is not justifiable or defensible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and formal business contexts. It conveys strong disapproval and is considered a strong word, so use it judiciously. Related terms include "unforgivable", "unpardonable", and "indefensible", offering nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. While versatile, ensure that "inexcusable" fits the gravity of the situation to avoid diminishing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforgivable

Emphasizes the inability to grant forgiveness for the action.

unpardonable

Highlights the lack of grounds for excusing the behavior.

indefensible

Stresses the impossibility of defending or justifying the action.

unjustifiable

Focuses on the absence of legitimate reasons to explain the action.

unacceptable

Indicates that the action does not meet required standards.

reprehensible

Highlights the blameworthy nature of the action.

censurable

Implies that the action deserves formal criticism or blame.

blameworthy

Indicates that the action is deserving of blame.

without justification

Directly states that there is no valid reason for the action.

beyond the pale

Suggests that the action is outside the bounds of acceptable behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "inexcusable" in a sentence?

You can use "inexcusable" to describe actions or behaviors that are not acceptable and cannot be justified. For example, "His behavior at the meeting was "inexcusable"."

What are some alternatives to "inexcusable"?

Some alternatives to "inexcusable" include "unforgivable", "unpardonable", and "indefensible".

Is "inexcusable" a formal or informal word?

"Inexcusable" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a stronger and more serious tone, so consider your audience and the severity of the situation when choosing your words.

What makes something "inexcusable"?

An action or behavior is considered "inexcusable" when there is no reasonable justification or excuse for it, and it violates accepted standards of conduct or ethics.