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

That is, unless their team-wide attention to defensive detail remains catatonic, which isn’t an acceptable solution. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

There will almost always be more than one technically acceptable answer. — Brian Duggan, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

In a statement, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Jason Lando said no amount of violence is acceptable. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

WeWhale said the apparent shooting should not be viewed as an acceptable response to those encounters. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 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