unacceptable outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unacceptable outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or consequence that is not satisfactory or tolerable in a given context. Example: "The project was deemed a failure due to the unacceptable outcome of the final results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

That, in a democracy, would be a totally unacceptable outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the vast majority of humans, this is an understandably unacceptable outcome.

Stanford University

You always have a BATNA, but your BATNA might be an unacceptable outcome for you or your organization.

Harvard University

For a club of Clermont's stature and resources, finishing bottom of the pool was an unacceptable outcome and they have returned bristling with intent.

The Guardian - Sport

The alternative, that courts will eventually grant blanket exemptions to some of these plaintiffs, is an unacceptable outcome given the great harm that such an exemption would impose on the women covered by the insurance plans at issue.

Columbia University

Leaving the regime, at least in its current form, in power for the long term is also an unacceptable outcome for many, as is the proposed break up of Syria into sectarian cantons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"When prices ration access to life-saving technologies, you have morally unacceptable outcomes.

The New York Times

Jessica Campbell, co-director of the progressive Rural Organizing Project, says that this has led to unacceptable outcomes, particularly for local women.

The Guardian

Rogers said that in the wake of these findings he had serious concerns that the government's flagship welfare policy would lead to unacceptable outcomes.

The Guardian

A need for regulation is seen particularly where relevant political forces feel that the benefits of non-regulation lead to unacceptable outcomes.

Columbia University

"The footage televised by 60 Minutes is simply devastating and Emanuel Exports apologises to farmers and the broader community for these absolutely unacceptable outcomes," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, pair the phrase with a specific reason (e.g. "due to ethical violations") to ensure the critique is grounded in evidence rather than just opinion.

Common error

Do not use "unacceptable outcome" for minor inconveniences or slight deviations from a plan. This phrase carries significant weight; overusing it for trivial matters weakens your rhetorical stance when a truly critical failure occurs. In less severe cases, consider using "undesirable result".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unacceptable outcome" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the direct object of a verb or a subject complement. In the data provided by Ludwig, it is often preceded by the indefinite article "an" or used with intensifiers like "totally" or "completely".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig AI, "unacceptable outcome" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote results that fail to meet basic standards of safety, ethics or success. It is highly common in News & Media and Academia, where authors need to express strong professional disapproval. Unlike more passive terms, this phrase implies that action must be taken to prevent or rectify the situation. Whether used in clinical studies regarding patient health or political commentary on global crises, it establishes a clear threshold of what is tolerable in a structured society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsatisfactory result

Provides a more neutral and less severe tone of disappointment.

intolerable consequence

Strengthens the moral or physical impossibility of accepting the result.

inadequate conclusion

Focuses on the result's failure to meet specific process requirements.

substandard end

Implicitly refers to a failure to meet quality benchmarks or industry standards.

impermissible effect

Highlights that the result is forbidden by rules, laws or ethics.

insufficient payoff

Focuses on the lack of reward or benefit relative to the effort exerted.

distressing repercussion

Emphasizes the negative emotional or social impact of the result.

disappointing aftermath

Refers specifically to the state or environment following a failure.

non-compliant result

A technical alternative focused on failure to adhere to regulatory standards.

total failure

A broader and more final description of a negative result.

FAQs

How to use "unacceptable outcome" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a failed goal or a dangerous situation, for example: "The collapse of the peace talks was deemed an "unacceptable outcome" by the international community."

What can I say instead of "unacceptable outcome"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "unsatisfactory result", "intolerable consequence", or "inadequate conclusion".

Is it "unacceptable outcome" or "unacceptable result"?

Both are correct and largely interchangeable. However, "unacceptable result" often refers to a specific numerical or data-driven failure, while "unacceptable outcome" frequently refers to broader social, political or ethical consequences.

What is the difference between "unacceptable outcome" and "undesirable outcome"?

An "undesirable outcome" is something you would prefer to avoid but might have to live with. An "unacceptable outcome" is a hard line that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.