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

While not risk-free, researchers consider dronabinol an acceptable treatment option for nightmares in people with PTSD. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Instead, there’s a range of percentages—called the acceptable macronutrient distribution range—recommended for each individual macronutrient. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026

The authors called the safety profile acceptable while noting more work will be done to hone the vaccine's safety-efficacy balance — vaccines often have a tradeoff of more side-effects with a higher dose for a stronger efficacy. — Joseph Kim, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

My aim in this column is to offer some advice to both financial controllers who are not receiving acceptable debt payments and debtors who are facing debt collectors. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

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