it was unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval or to indicate that something did not meet acceptable standards or expectations. Example: "The behavior displayed during the meeting was unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was unacceptable behaviour.

Independent

"But it was unacceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was unacceptable," Sather said.

The New York Times - Sports

Simply put, it was unacceptable.

The Guardian - Business

It was unacceptable, we were told.

The New York Times

I told Dale it was unacceptable.

The New York Times

"It was unacceptable," the official said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The fantastic support here deserve better - it was unacceptable.

Independent

It was unacceptable – but Thewlis is not alone.

The Guardian - Sport

It was unacceptable and I take full responsibility.

The Guardian - Sport

It was unacceptable and I promise to do better.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was unacceptable", ensure the context clearly defines why the action or situation is considered unacceptable to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

While effective for formal and professional settings, overusing "it was unacceptable" in casual conversations can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "that's not okay" or "that wasn't right" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

It was unacceptable functions as a declarative statement expressing strong disapproval or rejection of something. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts to indicate that something fails to meet established standards or expectations. It is used to express an opinion or judgment about a particular situation or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was unacceptable" is a common and effective way to express strong disapproval or rejection. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it functions as a declarative statement, its purpose is to emphatically communicate that something is not permissible or satisfactory. Though versatile, it is more suited to neutral to formal contexts, where clear and unambiguous expression is necessary. Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings where a more relaxed tone may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't acceptable

Uses the negative form to convey a similar meaning.

it was inappropriate

Indicates that the action was unsuitable for the situation.

that was not okay

Uses a simpler, more direct way to express disapproval.

it was simply not on

Employs a more colloquial expression to indicate disapproval.

it was out of line

Suggests that a boundary was crossed.

it was indefensible

Implies that there is no justification for the action.

it was intolerable

Conveys a stronger sense of being unbearable.

it was reprehensible

Expresses strong disapproval or condemnation.

it was beyond the pale

Uses an idiom to express that something was completely unacceptable.

it was inadmissible

Indicates something cannot be allowed or admitted, often in a legal or formal context.

FAQs

How can I use "it was unacceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was unacceptable" to express disapproval or disagreement with a situation, action, or behavior. For example, "The quality of the product was unacceptable." or "It was unacceptable for them to behave in that manner."

What can I say instead of "it was unacceptable"?

Alternatives to "it was unacceptable" include "it was inappropriate", "it was intolerable", or "it was out of line", depending on the context and the level of disapproval you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "it was unacceptable" or "that was unacceptable"?

Both "it was unacceptable" and "that was unacceptable" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the flow of the sentence.

What makes something "unacceptable"?

Something is "unacceptable" when it does not meet the required standards, violates ethical principles, or is otherwise deemed inappropriate or unsatisfactory for a given situation or context.