quite unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or to indicate that something does not meet acceptable standards. Example: "The behavior displayed during the meeting was quite unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

That is quite unacceptable".

Independent

That is quite unacceptable," he said.

The Guardian

The superb rant of the second half was quite unacceptable.

The Guardian

The mention of Coca-Cola, a brand name, was quite unacceptable.

Independent

For two weighty reasons - defense and politics - the bee is quite unacceptable.

The New York Times

This was quite unacceptable to Nicholas, who was proud of Peter the Great and believed himself his political heir.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I was sitting in the back row of the movies with this person, and he offered me something quite unacceptable--and it wasn't a chocolate.

Huffington Post

Antisemitism in British politics is quite simply unacceptable, from whatever quarter it may come".

The Guardian

It is, quite simply, unacceptable for the Met to treat a journalist like this.

The Guardian

"They've taken a position which I've articulated to them was quite clearly unacceptable.

The New York Times

Rik Ferguson, head of security research at Trend Micro, said that "it is quite simply unacceptable to surreptitiously and without consent undermine the basic security of HTTPS by employing man-in-the-middle techniques, or any other techniques for that matter.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite unacceptable" to express strong disapproval or disagreement, particularly when addressing behaviors, decisions, or outcomes that fall significantly short of expectations or standards.

Common error

Avoid using "quite unacceptable" in casual conversations or informal writing where a less formal expression of disapproval would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "not okay" or "just wrong" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite unacceptable" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, expressing a strong degree of disapproval or rejection. As indicated by Ludwig, it clearly communicates that something does not meet the required standards or expectations. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from political discourse to service evaluations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite unacceptable" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express strong disapproval or rejection, suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis and examples highlight its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While "quite unacceptable" is a clear and direct way to express disapproval, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure it's the most appropriate choice. Alternatives like "wholly inappropriate" or "completely intolerable" may be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The frequency of the expression is common, but writers should be mindful of register and potential overuse in informal settings. The Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It can be effectively used to express strong disagreement and emphasize that something is below standards. The tool can also help writers find appropriate synonyms to use in various writing settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wholly inappropriate

Emphasizes the inappropriateness of something to a greater degree.

completely intolerable

Stresses the inability to tolerate something.

entirely unsatisfactory

Focuses on the failure to satisfy requirements or expectations.

totally inadmissible

Highlights that something cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in formal settings.

utterly disappointing

Emphasizes the level of disappointment something causes.

simply not good enough

Directly states a lack of required quality.

absolutely out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

patently deficient

Highlights a clear and obvious lack of quality or necessary attributes.

blatantly inadequate

Stresses how obviously insufficient something is.

manifestly wrong

Points out how evidently incorrect or improper something is.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite unacceptable" to express strong disapproval. For example, "The level of service provided was "quite unacceptable" and requires immediate improvement."

What phrases can I use instead of "quite unacceptable"?

Alternatives include "wholly inappropriate", "completely intolerable", or "entirely unsatisfactory" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "unacceptable" or "quite unacceptable"?

"Quite unacceptable" intensifies the disapproval compared to simply saying "unacceptable". The choice depends on the strength of the sentiment you want to convey.

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

It's suitable for formal writing, professional reports, and situations where a clear and strong expression of disapproval is necessary. It may be too strong for casual conversation.