is unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not allowed or is not satisfactory in a given context. Example: "The behavior displayed during the meeting is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supermarket inequality is unacceptable.

The New York Times

Cultural inequality is unacceptable.

The New York Times

That outcome is unacceptable.

The New York Times

Either is unacceptable.

The New York Times

"Japan's arrogance is unacceptable".

The New York Times

And that is unacceptable".

The Guardian - Film

"The scoreline is unacceptable.

Independent

Church inequality is unacceptable.

The New York Times

Clearly this is unacceptable.

Independent

Assad's brutality is unacceptable.

The New York Times

This is unacceptable behaviour?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unacceptable" to clearly and directly express disapproval or rejection of something. Ensure the context makes it clear what specifically is being deemed unacceptable.

Common error

While "is unacceptable" is generally correct, overuse can make writing sound overly critical or negative. In formal contexts, consider milder alternatives like "is not ideal" or "requires improvement" to maintain a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unacceptable" functions primarily as a predicative adjective, modifying a subject and expressing that something does not meet required standards or is not permissible. It strongly conveys disapproval. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unacceptable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something does not meet required standards or is not permissible. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in news, formal, and scientific contexts to clearly convey disapproval or rejection. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and context, opting for milder alternatives like "is not permissible" in formal settings to maintain a balanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not permissible

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization, rather than general unacceptability.

is intolerable

Emphasizes the inability to endure or bear something, suggesting a higher degree of negativity.

cannot be condoned

Highlights the lack of approval or justification for something, often in a moral or ethical context.

is out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

is simply not on

An informal expression indicating something is inappropriate or not allowed.

is beyond the pale

Indicates that something is outside the bounds of what is considered acceptable behavior.

is simply not good enough

Focuses on the lack of quality or adequacy, rather than general unacceptability.

is deeply regrettable

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something, implying it should not have happened.

fails to meet expectations

Highlights the failure to satisfy established criteria or standards.

is open to objection

Suggests something is likely to be challenged or opposed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is unacceptable" is used to express that something doesn't meet the required standards or isn't allowed. For example, "That behavior "is unacceptable" in the workplace".

What's a more formal alternative to "is unacceptable"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "is not permissible", "is not advisable", or "does not meet the required standards" to maintain a professional tone.

How does "is unacceptable" differ from "is undesirable"?

"Is unacceptable" implies a stronger sense of rejection or disapproval, suggesting that something cannot be tolerated or allowed. "Is undesirable" simply indicates that something is not preferred or wanted.

When is it appropriate to use "is unacceptable" in writing?

Use "is unacceptable" when you need to clearly and directly express that something falls short of expectations, violates rules, or is otherwise not permissible. However, be mindful of the tone and consider alternatives if a milder approach is more suitable.