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
ˌən-ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
noun
unacceptably
ˌən-ik-ˈsep-tə-blē How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unacceptable

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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.
The prospect of such leverage is unacceptable in Washington, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Given the national security stakes, the prospect of foreign governments being able to suspend access to critical models at a whim started to feel like an unacceptable risk. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 In the past, Samsung TVs were somewhat notorious for shipping with dead pixels or unacceptable levels of light bleed in dark scenes. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026 Physical assault is against the law, and verbal attacks, coercive control and intimidation are abusive behavior and are unacceptable regardless of gender. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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

Rhymes for unacceptable

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Browse Nearby Words

unaccented
unacceptable
unacceptance
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Cite this Entry

“Unacceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unacceptable. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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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
-blē How to pronounce unacceptable (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unacceptable

Nglish: Translation of unacceptable for Spanish Speakers

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