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.
That explanation, which was given to Quatraro on the field, clearly was unacceptable to the Royals manager. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Both noted that any sort of political violence is unacceptable. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 Chancellor Julio Frenk cited the rapidly changing NIL era, championship ambitions and an unacceptable athletics debt among the reason for the change. — Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 While that figure was low, the researchers argued that even a small risk of unintended weapons use could be unacceptable in sensitive maritime confrontations. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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