acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
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 noun
acceptableness noun
acceptably
ik-ˈsep-tə-blē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
 also  ek-
adverb

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
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.
Those decisions center on what sacrifices are acceptable, and do-able, in the push against remote work. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Betts took over at shortstop and showed considerable improvement during a four-month trial period, to the point where his defense was at least acceptable given his offensive production. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Stanley recalled telling Richardson profiling was not acceptable and if it was confirmed, it would not be tolerated. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Gov, these are acceptable forms of ID to meet voting requirements: Texas driver's license Texas election ID certificate Texas personal ID card Texas handgun license U.S. citizenship certificate with photo U.S. military ID card U.S. passport No ID? Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acceptable 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of acceptable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near acceptable

Cite this Entry

“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

acceptable

adjective
ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory
an acceptable excuse
2
: barely good enough
plays an acceptable game
acceptability noun
acceptably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on acceptable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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