this is utterly unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is utterly unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or dissatisfaction with a situation or behavior. Example: "After reviewing the report, I must say that this is utterly unacceptable and we need to address these issues immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian

This is utterly unacceptable from a European point of view, as well as a violation of the preaching of Trump himself.

The Washington Post

"This is utterly unacceptable," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After Ahmed was jailed, Ch Supt Brian McInulty, of Police Scotland, said: "I hope that the sentencing today will reassure the immediate community in Glasgow's south-side as well as communities all across Scotland that acts of violence such as this are utterly unacceptable and cannot be justified.

BBC

Lord Oakeshott, the Liberal Democrat peer who resigned as a Treasury spokesman a year ago over what he perceived to be the financial sector's lax treatment by the government, said the bank should realise that any bonus for Hester this year was "utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian - Business

In response, Murphy sanctioned Evans on 23 March, concluding that "behaviour of this type is utterly unacceptable".

Science Magazine

"This kind of treatment of any workplace is utterly unacceptable.

Los Angeles Times

All you need to know about the world this morning, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ. "If doing this gets our country to agree that poverty is utterly unacceptable here… then it's worth doing.

Vice

That is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is utterly unacceptable and we condemn it.

The New York Times

A 12,500-signature petition says the institute is "utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is utterly unacceptable" to convey strong disapproval or disagreement with a situation, decision, or behavior. Ensure the context clearly identifies what you find unacceptable.

Common error

While the phrase is valid, avoid using "this is utterly unacceptable" in very casual conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or formal. Consider less intense alternatives in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is utterly unacceptable" functions as an expressive statement, used to convey strong disapproval, indignation, or rejection. It indicates that something is not only unacceptable but also completely beyond tolerable limits, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is utterly unacceptable" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or rejection, suitable for professional and formal contexts but potentially too strong for casual conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in news and media. While effective for conveying a firm stance, alternatives like "completely unacceptable" or "simply unacceptable" may be more appropriate in less formal situations. The phrase serves to express a definitive opinion, leaving little room for negotiation or acceptance of the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is completely unacceptable

Replaces "utterly" with "completely", slightly reducing the emphasis.

This is absolutely unacceptable

Substitutes "utterly" with "absolutely", offering a similar level of intensity.

This is totally unacceptable

Replaces "utterly" with "totally", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

This is simply unacceptable

Changes "utterly" to "simply", conveying a straightforward rejection.

This behavior is unacceptable

Focuses on the behavior specifically rather than the general situation.

This situation is intolerable

Shifts the focus to the situation and its unbearable nature, indicating a high degree of severity.

This is out of the question

Indicates a firm refusal or rejection of something.

I cannot condone this

Expresses a lack of approval or acceptance of the situation or action.

This is beyond the pale

Uses an idiom to describe something as completely unacceptable and inappropriate.

I find this completely objectionable

Emphasizes personal disapproval and offense taken by the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this is utterly unacceptable" in a sentence?

Use "this is utterly unacceptable" to express strong disapproval. For example, "This is utterly unacceptable; we must address this immediately."

What can I say instead of "this is utterly unacceptable"?

You can use alternatives like "this is completely unacceptable", "this is absolutely unacceptable", or "this is simply unacceptable" depending on the context.

Is "this is utterly unacceptable" formal or informal?

"This is utterly unacceptable" is suitable for professional and formal contexts but may sound overly dramatic in casual conversations.

Which is correct: "this is utterly unacceptable" or "this is completely unacceptable"?

Both "this is utterly unacceptable" and "this is completely unacceptable" are correct, but "utterly" adds a stronger emphasis.