unacceptable practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unacceptable practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a behavior or method that is deemed inappropriate or not allowed in a particular context, such as professional or ethical standards. Example: "The company has a strict policy against any form of harassment, as it is considered an unacceptable practice in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's an unacceptable practice".

The New Yorker

"Arresting them is not an unacceptable practice".

The New York Times

We know that legislation alone cannot eradicate this unacceptable practice.

The Guardian

"We must explore every option, including legislative action, to end this unacceptable practice".

The New York Times

"This was an unacceptable practice and we regret that it took place," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Savita is the prototype for why we say this is an unacceptable practice," the ACOG doctor told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We should have understood much sooner the unacceptable practices of some of our international partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were slow to understand the "unacceptable practices" of some "international partners".

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as we wouldn't know about a lot of other unacceptable practices had not Edward Snowden blown the whistle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Máxima Zorreguieta publicly expressed regret that her father had "worked hard" for a regime that had engaged in unacceptable practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The Football Agents Regulations were introduced as an important method of addressing unacceptable practices in professional football, particularly in the transfer market," commission chairman Paul Gilroy QC said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unacceptable practice", clearly specify what makes the practice unacceptable. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unacceptable practice" without providing specific details about why the practice is considered unacceptable. Failing to do so weakens your argument and leaves room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unacceptable practice" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that a certain action or method is not permissible or appropriate. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unacceptable practice" is a widely used descriptor for actions or behaviors deemed inappropriate or not allowed, according to Ludwig. Analysis reveals that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "impermissible conduct" or "inappropriate behavior" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about why the practice is considered unacceptable to avoid vagueness and strengthen your argument. Ludwig confirms the validity and versatility of this phrase across varied writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical conduct

Specifically addresses the moral dimension of the action, marking it as morally wrong.

inappropriate behavior

A general term indicating that the behavior does not fit the context or situation, less forceful than "unacceptable practice".

inadmissible behavior

Replaces 'practice' with 'behavior', focusing on conduct, implies something is not allowed or tolerated.

impermissible conduct

Uses more formal terms 'impermissible' and 'conduct', suggesting a violation of rules or standards.

intolerable action

Emphasizes the severity of the act, conveying a strong sense of disapproval.

indefensible action

Highlights the impossibility of justifying or defending the action, implying strong disapproval.

reprehensible act

Highlights the blameworthiness of the action, implying moral condemnation.

unpardonable behavior

Emphasizes the severity and the lack of possibility of forgiveness for the action.

out-of-bounds behavior

This is a more informal, sports-related metaphor, suggesting that the conduct exceeds acceptable limits.

wrongdoing

A broad term for any immoral or illegal act, implying a violation of standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "unacceptable practice" to describe a behavior or method that violates ethical, professional, or moral standards. For instance, "The company considers harassment an "unacceptable practice" and will not tolerate it."

What's a more formal alternative to "unacceptable practice"?

A more formal alternative is "impermissible conduct", which suggests a strict violation of rules or standards.

Is "unacceptable practice" the same as "inappropriate behavior"?

While similar, "unacceptable practice" typically implies a stronger condemnation than "inappropriate behavior". The former often refers to actions that are not only unsuitable but also ethically or legally wrong.

What are some examples of what might be considered an "unacceptable practice"?

Examples can range from unethical business dealings and professional misconduct to harmful cultural traditions, such as female genital mutilation. The term is versatile and depends on the context.