unacceptably low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unacceptably low" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level or standard that is considered too low to be acceptable in a given context. Example: "The quality of the product was unacceptably low, leading to numerous customer complaints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Black educational achievement is unacceptably low.

Independent

Some of these could be considered unacceptably low.

Structural Safety

But it caused unacceptably low potassium levels and irreversible infertility in some men, Dr. Alexander said.

The New York Times - Health

The Assembly speaker, Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, called that amount "unacceptably low".

The New York Times

These are not people who are paid unacceptably low wages or are treated harshly at work.

The Guardian - Opinion

The $800 million request is fancifully high; but the $24 million proposal was brutally, unacceptably low.

The New York Times

Expected winnings per dollar wagered would then be unacceptably low for more low-end taxpayers.

The New York Times

Given the scope of the national drug problem, that number is unacceptably low.

The New York Times

Brain tumors have unacceptably low survival rates and exceedingly high medical costs, often leaving survivors suffering from lifelong functional deficits.

Stanford University

In hindsight, says one regulator, this was "very, very low… unacceptably low".

The Economist

Although Brockton's scores were still unacceptably low, they had risen sharply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unacceptably low", ensure you provide context on why the level is unacceptable and what consequences it leads to. This strengthens your argument and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unacceptably low" as a standalone criticism. Always explain why the level is unacceptable. For example, instead of saying "Test scores were unacceptably low", specify: "Test scores were unacceptably low, indicating a failure to meet minimum proficiency standards."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unacceptably low" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the level or quantity being described is insufficient and fails to meet the required or expected standard. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unacceptably low" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that a certain level or standard is insufficient or inadequate. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to indicate disapproval or concern, primarily within neutral to formal contexts such as science, news, and business. To ensure clarity, it's recommended to provide context when using this phrase. While alternatives like "undesirably low" or "intolerably low" exist, "unacceptably low" provides a direct and clear assessment of deficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirably low

Focuses on the undesirable nature of the low level.

intolerably low

Emphasizes the unbearable nature of the low level.

prohibitively low

Highlights that the low level is preventing something from happening.

inadequate

A more general term indicating insufficiency.

deficient

Indicates a lack or shortage.

below par

Suggests performance is lower than expected.

substandard

Implies the level is below an acceptable standard.

falling short

Suggests that something is not reaching a required level.

woefully inadequate

Emphasizes the inadequacy with a sense of disappointment.

pathetically inadequate

Emphasizes the inadequacy with a sense of pity.

FAQs

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

You can use "unacceptably low" to describe a level or standard that doesn't meet requirements or expectations. For example, "The response rate was "unacceptably low", hindering the study's validity."

What are some alternatives to saying "unacceptably low"?

Alternatives include "undesirably low", "intolerably low", or "prohibitively low", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unacceptably low" or "too low"?

"Unacceptably low" is more formal and emphatic than "too low". Use "unacceptably low" when emphasizing the seriousness of the inadequacy. While "too low" is a simpler and less critical assessment, the phrase "unacceptably low" implies a failure or serious problem.

What makes a level "unacceptably low"?

A level is "unacceptably low" when it falls below a predefined threshold or benchmark necessary for a particular purpose or standard. It suggests that the deficiency has negative consequences or implications.