patently unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently unacceptable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is obviously or clearly not acceptable. You can use it when expressing strong disapproval or criticism of something. Example: The government's decision to cut funding for education is patently unacceptable, as it will harm the future of our children.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whatever the intention, whatever the venue, whomever the person, attacks or comments on anyone's ethnicity are wrong & patently unacceptable.

Huffington Post

The Ashcroft Guidance bans racial profiling, which it condemns as discriminatory, "not merely wrong, but also ineffective," and "patently unacceptable".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rose Gill Hearn, the commissioner of the Department of Investigation, said in a statement that "certain participants" in the sexual misconduct had provided "unacceptable and patently false" testimony in interviews on Wednesday.

The New York Times

On Thursday the commissioner of investigation, Rose Gill Hearn, said that "certain participants" in the incident had provided "unacceptable and patently false" statements to investigators.

The New York Times

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

This is patently wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently unacceptable" when you want to express strong disapproval of something that is clearly and obviously not acceptable. It adds emphasis and formality to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "patently unacceptable" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly stiff or pretentious in such settings. Choose a simpler, more direct expression of disapproval instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently unacceptable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong negative judgment about its acceptability. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys strong disapproval or criticism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently unacceptable" is a grammatically correct and emphatic phrase used to express strong disapproval of something that is obviously not acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests using it when conveying strong criticism. While its use is relatively rare, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, signaling a formal and professional register. When writing, remember that alternatives like "clearly unacceptable" or "utterly unacceptable" may be more appropriate for informal settings. The phrase's function is to condemn, and its purpose is to strongly reject something as intolerable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly unacceptable

Direct replacement maintaining the same level of formality.

obviously unacceptable

Similar to "clearly unacceptable", emphasizing the evident nature of the unacceptability.

blatantly unacceptable

Adds a stronger emphasis on the obviousness and flagrancy of the unacceptability.

plainly unacceptable

Indicates that the unacceptability is easily seen or understood.

utterly unacceptable

Emphasizes the complete and absolute nature of the unacceptability.

completely unacceptable

Similar to "utterly unacceptable", highlighting the total unacceptability.

absolutely unacceptable

Stresses that there are no exceptions or allowances for the unacceptability.

manifestly unacceptable

More formal, suggesting that the unacceptability is easily perceived or demonstrated.

indisputably unacceptable

Highlights that the unacceptability is beyond question or argument.

categorically unacceptable

Emphasizes a firm and unconditional rejection.

FAQs

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

You can use "patently unacceptable" to describe something that is obviously not tolerable or permissible. For example, "The company's discriminatory hiring practices are "patently unacceptable"".

What can I say instead of "patently unacceptable"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly unacceptable", "obviously unacceptable", or "utterly unacceptable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "patently unacceptable" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "patently unacceptable" is quite formal and is better suited for professional or academic writing. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "totally unacceptable" or "completely unacceptable" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "unacceptable" and "patently unacceptable"?

"Unacceptable" simply means not allowable or satisfactory. Adding "patently" emphasizes that the unacceptability is obvious and undeniable. Therefore, "patently unacceptable" conveys a stronger sense of disapproval and certainty.