utterly unacceptable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly unacceptable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation, behavior, or action that is deemed intolerable. Example: "The level of customer service we received during our stay was utterly unacceptable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian

It is utterly unacceptable and we condemn it.

The New York Times

But it is utterly, utterly unacceptable to do this.

The Economist

Nicholson says that is "completely and utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian

The way things are currently moving is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"People not wearing their numbers is utterly unacceptable.

The Guardian

Making Americans pay for something they believe to be morally wrong was utterly unacceptable.

The Economist

Today, intentional gender discrimination in science is considered utterly unacceptable almost everywhere.

Nature

A 12,500-signature petition says the institute is "utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian

But they are utterly unacceptable for the highest judicial officer in a state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly unacceptable" to express strong disapproval or condemnation of actions, behaviors, or situations that are considered intolerable. Ensure the context aligns with this level of intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly unacceptable" in contexts where the level of disapproval doesn't warrant such strong language. Using it for minor inconveniences can dilute its impact and make your communication seem overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly unacceptable" functions as an intensifier (utterly) modifying an adjective (unacceptable). As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to strongly emphasize the degree to which something is not acceptable. Examples show it condemning behavior, situations, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly unacceptable" is a potent expression used to convey strong disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and its effectiveness in emphasizing the intolerable nature of a situation or behavior. Appearing frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, this expression is versatile yet carries considerable weight. While it's important to avoid overuse in milder situations, "utterly unacceptable" serves as a clear and impactful way to communicate that something is simply not tolerable. Alternatives like "completely intolerable" or "absolutely outrageous" offer similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely intolerable

Emphasizes the lack of tolerance for something, highlighting its extreme nature.

totally inadmissible

Focuses on the impossibility of allowing or accepting something, often in a formal or legal context.

absolutely outrageous

Highlights the shocking and offensive nature of something, expressing strong indignation.

entirely inappropriate

Emphasizes the lack of suitability or fittingness of something in a particular context.

wholly unsatisfactory

Stresses the complete lack of satisfaction or fulfillment provided by something.

simply not on

An informal expression indicating that something is not allowed or acceptable.

beyond the pale

Indicates that something is outside the bounds of what is considered acceptable behavior or standards.

quite out of the question

Emphasizes the impossibility or unacceptability of something, leaving no room for discussion.

thoroughly reprehensible

Highlights the deserving of strong condemnation or disapproval due to its morally wrong nature.

patently wrong

Indicates that something is obviously and undeniably incorrect or unacceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly unacceptable" to express strong disapproval. For example, "The level of noise in this library is "utterly unacceptable"" or "His behavior at the meeting was "utterly unacceptable"".

What are some alternatives to "utterly unacceptable"?

Alternatives include "completely intolerable", "totally inadmissible", or "absolutely outrageous" depending on the specific context and the degree of disapproval you wish to express.

Is "utterly unacceptable" too strong for formal writing?

While "utterly unacceptable" conveys a strong message, its appropriateness in formal writing depends on the context. In situations requiring firm condemnation, it can be effective. However, consider alternatives like "entirely inappropriate" or "wholly unsatisfactory" for a slightly less intense tone.

What makes something "utterly unacceptable"?

Something is "utterly unacceptable" when it violates established standards of behavior, ethics, or quality to a degree that it cannot be tolerated or condoned. It often implies a strong moral or professional objection.