unacceptably risky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unacceptably risky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that poses a level of risk that is deemed intolerable or excessive. Example: "Investing in that startup is unacceptably risky given its lack of a solid business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Investments were not simply bad, but unacceptably risky.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Financial Times agreed that "crewed flight in Nasa's ageing fleet remains unacceptably risky".

The Guardian

For proponents of the nuclear deal, it was an unacceptably risky bit of brinkmanship.

The New Yorker

But Congress has given the administration limited legal authority to change a corporate culture that promoted outsize compensation that many people believe encouraged unacceptably risky business decisions.

The New York Times

Almost no other country offers a 30-year fixed mortgage, because 30 years is unacceptably risky to the private market — without a government backstop.

The New York Times

Mr. Netanyahu has made it clear that the turmoil in the region has heightened his country's security concerns, making a negotiated peace an unacceptably risky gamble for now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Unacceptably bad musical note tattoo on neck.

The Guardian - Sport

"Patients are dying on waiting lists for cardiac surgery, and the health of others is deteriorating due to unacceptably long waits for treatment which requires more complex and risky surgery than would have been the case otherwise".

BBC

It was risky-people wouldn't exactlybe falling over one another to make room for him once they sawwhat he was up to-but if he didn't take a chance, then he would certainlyshow up unacceptably late.

The New York Times - Books

Premiums are already unacceptably high.

The New York Times

But this is unacceptably informal for some.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, quantify the risk associated with "unacceptably risky" actions. For example, specify the probability of failure or the potential financial loss.

Common error

Avoid using "unacceptably risky" as a vague criticism. Always provide concrete evidence or reasoning to support your claim that a particular risk level is indeed unacceptable. Without justification, the phrase loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unacceptably risky" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing a noun or situation as possessing a level of risk that is beyond what is tolerable or permissible. As seen in Ludwig, it expresses a judgment about the degree of risk involved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unacceptably risky" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something with an intolerable level of danger or uncertainty. According to Ludwig, it functions to express disapproval or caution. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with scientific and general sources also contributing to its usage. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various communication styles. When using "unacceptably risky", be sure to justify why the risk is unacceptable with supporting details. Alternatives include "excessively hazardous" and "prohibitively dangerous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively hazardous

Emphasizes the extreme level of danger involved.

prohibitively dangerous

Highlights that the danger is so great that it should prevent the action.

inadmissibly perilous

Focuses on the unacceptable nature of the danger, implying it cannot be allowed.

intolerably unsafe

Stresses the lack of safety to a degree that is not bearable.

unjustifiably precarious

Indicates the risk is present without adequate reason or justification.

unreasonably chancy

Suggests the risk taken is not logical or well-considered.

outright reckless

Implies a blatant disregard for potential negative consequences.

unpardonably insecure

Conveys a sense that the lack of security is inexcusable.

wildly speculative

Highlights the lack of concrete evidence and high degree of guessing involved.

criminally negligent

Suggests the risk involves a serious breach of duty of care.

FAQs

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

You can use "unacceptably risky" to describe actions, investments, or decisions that carry a level of risk deemed too high. For example: "Investing in that startup is "unacceptably risky" given its lack of a solid business plan."

What are some alternatives to "unacceptably risky"?

Alternatives include "excessively hazardous", "prohibitively dangerous", or "inadmissibly perilous" depending on the context.

Is it more effective to quantify the risk when describing something as "unacceptably risky"?

Yes, quantifying the risk by providing specific probabilities, potential losses, or other measurable metrics can significantly strengthen your assertion that something is "unacceptably risky".

What makes a risk "unacceptably risky" as opposed to just "risky"?

A risk becomes "unacceptably risky" when the potential negative consequences are disproportionately high compared to the potential benefits, or when the risk violates ethical, legal, or safety standards.