acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

ak-

also ek-

1

: capable or worthy of being accepted

an acceptable noise level

socially acceptable behavior

a compromise that is acceptable to both sides

2

a

: welcome, pleasing

Compliments are always acceptable.

b

: barely satisfactory or adequate

The performances varied from excellent to acceptable.

acceptability

ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)ak-, 

ek-

noun

acceptableness

ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl-nəs 

ak-

noun

acceptably

ik-ˈsep-tə-blē 

ak-

also ek-

adverb

Synonyms of acceptable

• adequate
• satisfactory
• decent
• fine
• good
• OK

Examples of acceptable in a Sentence

acceptable and unacceptable noise levels

It was an acceptable performance, although not an outstanding one.

She plays an acceptable game of tennis.

Recent Examples on the Web

When New York and California limited their acceptable vaccine exemptions, there was a dramatic increase in the vaccination rate. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

With the idea that some groups are acceptable targets. —Brandi Hicken, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

In reality, that means a passport that looks acceptable to one person may raise concerns for another. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025

China’s support for elections beginning December 28, 2025, aims to decentralize power from coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and enable a civilian-fronted government acceptable to the international community, potentially accelerating trade and securing Belt and Road projects. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin acceptābilis, from Latin acceptāre "to accept" + -bilis "capable of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acceptable

• imperceptible
• unacceptable
• perceptible
• susceptible

Kids Definition

acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 

ak-

1

: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory

an acceptable excuse

2

: barely good enough

plays an acceptable game

acceptability

ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

ak-

noun

acceptably

ik-ˈsep-tə-blē 

ak-

adverb