that's unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'That's unacceptable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you do not accept or approve of something. For example: I apologize for being late, but that's unacceptable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wage freeze, that's unacceptable".

The New York Times

All of this gut-wrenching, that's unacceptable.

The New York Times

If you have a Spanish accent, that's unacceptable".

The New York Times

"If you start telling Thais how to cook real Thai food, that's unacceptable".

The New York Times

"To not get the ball in the end zone, that's unacceptable.

The New York Times - Sports

It just needs to be turned into a dirty practice that's unacceptable.

BBC

"For me, that's unacceptable.

Vice

For Cooper, the retired FBI agent, that's unacceptable.

Vice

But if we intervene to save these horses, that's unacceptable".

Huffington Post

"It's nothing pretty about tonight's game, and that's unacceptable.

The New York Times - Sports

You are writing me out of this country's history - and that's unacceptable..

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's unacceptable" to clearly and directly express your disapproval of a situation, behavior, or outcome. Ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "that's unacceptable" in very casual conversations where a less formal expression of disagreement would be more appropriate. It can sound overly harsh or rigid in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's unacceptable" functions as an expressive statement, conveying strong disapproval, disagreement, or rejection. It's often used to set boundaries or voice objections, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's unacceptable" is a common and direct way to express disapproval or rejection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business settings. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly harsh in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "that's intolerable" or "that's unjustifiable" to fine-tune your message. Using "that's unacceptable" is a powerful way to assert boundaries and convey clear expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not acceptable

A straightforward synonym expressing disapproval.

that's intolerable

Emphasizes the inability to endure something.

it is unacceptable

A more formal way of saying the same thing.

that's inadmissible

Highlights that something cannot be allowed or accepted, particularly in a formal setting.

that's unjustifiable

Focuses on the lack of valid reasons or excuses for something.

that's inexcusable

Stresses that something cannot be forgiven or justified.

that's reprehensible

Highlights the moral wrongness and deserving of condemnation.

that's unbearable

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of enduring something, often due to emotional distress.

that's unreasonable

Indicates that something is not fair or logical.

that's unsuitable

Indicates that something is not appropriate for a particular situation or purpose.

FAQs

What does "that's unacceptable" mean?

The phrase "that's unacceptable" expresses strong disapproval or rejection of something, indicating that it does not meet the required standards or is morally wrong.

How can I use "that's unacceptable" in a sentence?

You can use "that's unacceptable" to respond to a situation or behavior you disapprove of. For example, "I apologize for being late, but the repeated delays are "that's unacceptable"."

What can I say instead of "that's unacceptable"?

You can use alternatives like "that's intolerable", "that's inadmissible", or "that's unjustifiable" depending on the specific context and the reason for your disapproval.

Is "that's unacceptable" different from "it is unacceptable"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "it is unacceptable" is slightly more formal than "that's unacceptable". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality desired.