unacceptably high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unacceptably high" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level or amount that is considered too excessive or intolerable in a given context. Example: "The pollution levels in the city are unacceptably high, prompting officials to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Premiums are already unacceptably high.

The New York Times

The unemployment rate is unacceptably high.

The New York Times

But he said unemployment remained unacceptably high.

The New York Times

"That's an unacceptably high risk for me".

The New York Times

Complaints against banks are persistently at an unacceptably high level.

The Guardian - Money

Republicans rejected the proposal, saying it ran unacceptably high deficits.

The Guardian

The current account deficit is also unacceptably high.

The New York Times

The human cost of this system is unacceptably high.

The New York Times

But unemployment, especially long-term unemployment, is still unacceptably high.

The New York Times

Poverty remains unacceptably high in Latin America's democracies.

The Economist

Rates of infection across southern Africa are unacceptably high, she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms if "unacceptably high" sounds too formal or informal for your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unacceptably high" as a generic negative descriptor. Ensure the level truly exceeds established thresholds or reasonable expectations; otherwise, the statement may lack credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unacceptably high" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun. It expresses a judgment that a particular level or quantity is beyond tolerable limits. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is generally correct and in broad usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unacceptably high" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase indicating that a level or quantity exceeds tolerable limits. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and utilized. Its primary function is to express concern or disapproval, prompting a need for corrective measures across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "excessively high" or "intolerably high" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When employing "unacceptably high", provide context and support data to enhance the statement's credibility, avoiding generic negative applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively high

This alternative emphasizes the degree to which something exceeds a normal or acceptable level, focusing on the quantity or intensity.

intolerably high

This phrase highlights the difficulty or impossibility of enduring something at its current level, stressing the discomfort or suffering it causes.

unduly high

This suggests that something is inappropriately or unjustifiably high, implying that it is excessive in a way that is unfair or unwarranted.

inordinately high

Similar to "unduly high", this option indicates that something is beyond what is reasonable or moderate, suggesting a lack of proportion.

unreasonably high

This alternative conveys that something is not based on or guided by reason, suggesting it is illogical or irrational.

prohibitively high

This indicates that something is so high that it prevents people from doing something, emphasizing the restrictive or exclusionary effect.

outrageously high

This suggests that something is shockingly or offensively high, highlighting the surprise and indignation it provokes.

inadmissibly high

This indicates that something is too high to be accepted or allowed, emphasizing the lack of permission or consent.

unjustifiably high

Similar to "unduly high", this phrase implies that something cannot be defended or warranted, stressing the lack of a valid reason.

unacceptably exorbitant

This phrase combines the original sense of unacceptable with a stronger emphasis on excessiveness, particularly in the context of cost or price.

FAQs

How can I use "unacceptably high" in a sentence?

You can use "unacceptably high" to describe levels or amounts that are beyond what is tolerable or reasonable. For example, "The error rate was "unacceptably high", requiring a system overhaul."

What are some alternatives to "unacceptably high"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "excessively high", "intolerably high", or "unduly high". Choose the phrase that best captures the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unacceptably high" a subjective or objective assessment?

While "unacceptably high" implies a clear problem, the threshold for what is considered "unacceptable" can sometimes be subjective. It's crucial to provide context and, if possible, objective data to support your claim.

What makes something "unacceptably high" rather than just "high"?

The addition of "unacceptably" indicates that the level or amount is not only high but also exceeds a predetermined threshold or expectation, causing concern or requiring action. In short, its negative implications go beyond simple 'high'.