acceptable

1 of 2

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

acceptability

2 of 2

noun

ac·​cept·​abil·​i·​ty ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē  ak- also ək- or ek- 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being acceptable

Synonyms of acceptable

Adjective

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

Examples of acceptable in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

In an era of baseball where launch angle and exit velocity are emphasized, home runs are prioritized and striking out has become far too acceptable, Simpson plays a different style. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Continuing this quixotic hunt for the socialistic holy grail is not acceptable, even in an election year. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

For example, placing a cardboard box in the trash may normally be acceptable. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

This interservice competition may increasingly normalize what constitutes acceptable coercion below the nuclear threshold and shape targeting priorities, as well as escalation management. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

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