less unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as bad or objectionable as another option, indicating a relative improvement in acceptability. Example: "While the proposal has its flaws, it is less unacceptable than the previous version we reviewed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The use of ECPs by women against religious and cultural unacceptability could also be due to the notion that using ECPs is less unacceptable in comparison with other methods of terminating unwanted pregnancies such as abortion, which could easily be stigmatized.

BMC Women's Health

The worse the economy gets, his actions become more understandable, although no less unacceptable.

The New York Times - Arts

The weather was less unacceptable than when my dad had hauled us up all those years ago, but it was still a challenge.

Independent

The way it worked, however, was that the risks tended to seem less unacceptable when they were making you spectacular amounts of money.

The New Yorker

Rather than it being the minister exercising judicial power, under the draft bill it is now the parliament – something no less unacceptable under our system of government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The effect of this change in Hamas' policy would be that Hamas would stop breaking international law (which is ambiguous on the targeting of security personnel) and therefore become less unacceptable to right-thinking governments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Now that smoking is illegal in all public places, it has become more-or-less unacceptable in business settings, too.

The Economist

Anything less is unacceptable.

The New York Times

"Anything less is unacceptable and will not be tolerated".

The New York Times

"Anything less is unacceptable to our union and our members".

The New York Times - Sports

And the United States and Europe must make clear that anything less is unacceptable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less unacceptable" when you want to convey that an option, while not ideal, is better than another. For example, 'Choosing this method is "less unacceptable" than the alternative, given the circumstances.'

Common error

Avoid using "less unacceptable" in contexts where a simpler positive phrasing like "more acceptable" or "somewhat tolerable" would be clearer and more direct. Overusing double negatives can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less unacceptable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something that is not as objectionable as something else, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to express a relative preference between two imperfect options.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less unacceptable" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative adjective phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It indicates that something is not as bad or objectionable as another option, expressing a relative improvement in acceptability. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources across news, media, and scientific domains. When writing, be mindful of the potential for simpler, more direct phrasings. Using "less unacceptable" is best reserved for situations where emphasizing the underlying negativity is intentional and important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more tolerable

Changes the focus from 'unacceptable' to 'tolerable', indicating a shift towards acceptance.

somewhat acceptable

Uses 'acceptable' with a qualifier to denote a degree of acceptance.

marginally acceptable

Emphasizes the slight degree of acceptability.

not as objectionable

Focuses on reducing the level of objection rather than directly increasing acceptability.

slightly more palatable

Uses a different metaphor, 'palatable', to suggest something is easier to accept.

not entirely unwelcome

Expresses a sense of reluctant acceptance or tolerance.

improved in acceptability

Highlights the aspect of something getting or becoming more acceptable.

relatively unobjectionable

Focuses on the lack of strong objections.

more readily tolerated

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be tolerated.

somewhat more agreeable

Uses 'agreeable' to suggest that there is slightly less disagreement.

FAQs

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

Use "less unacceptable" to compare two options, indicating one is preferable despite not being fully acceptable. For example: "While neither option is ideal, this compromise is "less unacceptable" than the original proposal."

What are some alternatives to "less unacceptable"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "more tolerable", "somewhat acceptable", or "marginally acceptable". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "less unacceptable" a double negative?

Yes, "less unacceptable" is a double negative. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes be stylistically awkward. Consider whether a positive phrasing would be clearer.

When is it appropriate to use "less unacceptable" rather than "more acceptable"?

Use "less unacceptable" when you want to emphasize that neither option is truly acceptable, but one is simply less bad. "More acceptable" suggests a positive degree of acceptance, while "less unacceptable" acknowledges the underlying negativity.