unacceptable

adjective

un·​ac·​cept·​able ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
-ak-
Synonyms of unacceptablenext
: not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
unacceptability noun
unacceptably adverb

Examples of unacceptable in a Sentence

a word that is unacceptable in formal English Some of her ideas were unacceptable to other people.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mac & Cheese Hot bar macaroni and cheese is just plain unacceptable. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026 For Texas to be party to the inhumane treatment of vulnerable people is unacceptable to me. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026 This is unacceptable and undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 Most of the options that Reclamation has studied to date lead to unacceptable risks of dead pool at Lake Mead — a prospect that strands water behind Hoover Dam as the surface level drops below hydropower and outlet tubes, said John Berggren, regional policy manager for Western Resource Advocates. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unacceptable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unacceptable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unacceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unacceptable. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unacceptable

adjective
un·​ac·​cept·​able ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
-ak-
: not acceptable : not pleasing or welcome
unacceptably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unacceptable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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