it is utterly unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is utterly unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation, behavior, or action. Example: "The level of pollution in the river is utterly unacceptable and must be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is utterly unacceptable and we condemn it.

The New York Times

Or it is about a lifetime of fracture because it is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian

"It is utterly unacceptable for the government to seek to override councils' responsible investment decisions in this way".

The Guardian

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: "It is utterly unacceptable for payday lenders to be running adverts that appeal to children.

The Guardian - Money

To repeat: his beliefs are his personal business; it is utterly unacceptable that he should use his rank in the armed services to push his personal views on those beneath him in rank.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is utterly unacceptable that the events, which took place under the special conditions of WWI 101 years ago and caused heartbreaking suffering for both Turks and Armenians, be introduced as 'genocide' based on biased, distorted and various subjective political motives," said the statement.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Malcolm Turnbull said the research painted "a disturbing picture" and it was "utterly unacceptable" that so many people were ready to excuse and diminish the behaviour and blame the victim.

The Guardian

Andrew Gwynne, the shadow public health minister, said: "It's utterly unacceptable that at a time when the country is facing an obesity epidemic David Cameron is kicking his obesity strategy into the long grass.

The Guardian

Jackson Carlaw, the Scottish Conservative health spokesman, said: "It's utterly unacceptable that more than 1,000 people in the last three months have been stranded in hospital when they're perfectly fit to leave.

BBC

It's utterly unacceptable to run a campaign that way, nor should it even be conceivable to run a country that way.

Huffington Post

As long as white supremacists, neo-Nazis, members of the alt-right, and members of any other group use vile and incendiary language, language that may be protected, it falls on the rest of us to talk back, to make it clear that such language is utterly unacceptable in civil society, and to point out the underlying fallacy of their hateful speech.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is utterly unacceptable", follow it with a clear explanation of why the subject is unacceptable. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is utterly unacceptable" in situations that warrant a milder form of disapproval. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact and make your communication seem insincere or disproportionate to the issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is utterly unacceptable" functions as a declarative statement expressing strong disapproval or condemnation. It asserts that something is not permissible or tolerable. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, reinforcing its grammatical acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is utterly unacceptable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying strong disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, adding emphasis to statements of rejection. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong sentiment. Consider alternatives like "it is completely unacceptable" for a slightly less emphatic tone or "this cannot be tolerated" for an active voice construction. Avoid overuse in situations that call for milder language to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is absolutely unacceptable

Substitutes "utterly" with "absolutely", highlighting a stronger, more definitive rejection.

it is completely unacceptable

Replaces "utterly" with "completely", offering a slightly less emphatic tone.

it is entirely unacceptable

Replaces "utterly" with "entirely", emphasizing the completeness of unacceptability.

it is totally unacceptable

Substitutes "utterly" with "totally", providing a more informal alternative.

it is simply unacceptable

Uses "simply" instead of "utterly", softening the intensity of the statement.

this is out of the question

Emphasizes that something is not even worth considering or discussing.

it is reprehensible

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word conveying strong disapproval.

this cannot be tolerated

Shifts from passive to active voice, expressing a strong refusal to allow something.

this is beyond the pale

Indicates that something is far outside the bounds of acceptable behavior.

it is simply not on

Offers an informal, British English alternative expressing disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is utterly unacceptable" to express strong disapproval or condemnation. For example, "It is utterly unacceptable for companies to pollute the environment."

What are some alternatives to "it is utterly unacceptable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is completely unacceptable", "it is totally unacceptable", or "this cannot be tolerated", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it is utterly unacceptable" too strong for some situations?

Yes, "it is utterly unacceptable" expresses strong disapproval. In situations requiring a milder tone, consider using phrases like "it is undesirable" or "it is not ideal".

What is the difference between "it is unacceptable" and "it is utterly unacceptable"?

Adding "utterly" intensifies the phrase, emphasizing the speaker's strong disapproval. "It is unacceptable" expresses disapproval, while "it is utterly unacceptable" conveys a more forceful rejection.