is just acceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is just acceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something meets a minimum standard but does not exceed expectations. Example: "The quality of the report is just acceptable, but it could use more detail and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Acceleration is just acceptable, at best, with either the manual or the variable automatic.

The New York Times

The production design is just acceptable enough that it'll pass with at-home streaming.

The Guardian - Film

McConnell will likely work until he reaches a compromise that is just acceptable enough to just enough Republicans not cruel enough that all moderates reject it out of hand but enough of a tax and spending cut that conservatives can't say no, either.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And if many of them are intercepted, well, that's just acceptable loss, again.

TechCrunch

Now, it's just acceptable.

Vice

Four patients presented a good level of dental plaque (8.9%), but this was just acceptable in 16 (35.6%) and unacceptable in 25 (55.6%) patients (Table  2).

BMC Infectious Diseases

On the other hand, the ICC for the EQ-VAS recalled was just acceptable at 3 months (0.648) and became lower at 6 months in comparison with the pre-ICU level (0.580).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Anybody doing that is just not acceptable.

The New York Times - Sports

"What's going on is just not acceptable," Mr. Hagel said.

The New York Times

"Anything less than terrific is just not acceptable to him.

The New York Times

Gogglebox on a Friday is just about acceptable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is just acceptable", consider if a more precise term might better convey your intended meaning. Sometimes, specifying why something is only acceptable can add valuable context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is just acceptable" repeatedly within the same text. Overuse can make your writing sound unenthusiastic or as though you lack the vocabulary to express more nuanced evaluations. Seek opportunities to utilize alternatives like "passably good" or "minimally satisfactory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is just acceptable" functions as a subject complement, typically following a linking verb (like "is"). It describes or classifies the subject by indicating that it meets a minimum standard of acceptability. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is just acceptable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something meets the bare minimum requirements, but isn't exceptional. Ludwig confirms its validity. While it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, writers should be mindful of potential overuse. Consider utilizing synonyms for greater precision and variety. Remember that this expression indicates that something is adequate, but not particularly impressive, as evidenced by the examples in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is barely adequate

Implies a slightly lower standard than "is just acceptable", suggesting it barely meets the requirements.

is minimally satisfactory

Focuses on the satisfaction aspect, highlighting that it only meets the minimum level of satisfaction.

is passably good

Highlights that something is 'passable', implying it is good enough but not excellent.

is tolerably sufficient

Emphasizes the sufficiency aspect, suggesting it's just enough to be tolerated.

is good enough

A simpler, more direct way of expressing that something meets the minimum standard.

is scarcely adequate

Indicates a very narrow margin of adequacy, almost not meeting the requirements.

is on the low end of acceptable

Explicitly states its position within the range of acceptability, towards the lower end.

is cutting it close

Suggests that something barely makes the cut and there is no room for error.

scarcely satisfactory

Emphasizes the bare minimum level of satisfaction achieved.

is only just good enough

Highlights the marginal quality, emphasizing that it's only just sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "is just acceptable" in a sentence?

Use "is just acceptable" to indicate something meets the minimum required standard, but isn't exceptional. For example, "The quality of the work is just acceptable, but there's room for improvement".

What are some synonyms for "is just acceptable"?

Alternatives include "barely adequate", "minimally satisfactory", or "passably good", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "is just acceptable"?

It implies that something meets the basic requirements but doesn't exceed expectations or demonstrate high quality. It's adequate but not impressive.

In what situations should I avoid using "is just acceptable"?

Avoid using it when you want to express strong approval or praise. Instead, use more positive terms. Similarly, if something fails to meet the minimum requirements, "is just acceptable" would be inaccurate; a more critical term would be more appropriate.