as in wrong
falling short of a standard this work is entirely unacceptable

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unacceptable This foot-dragging and embrace of secrecy is unacceptable, and watchdog groups such as TPAF will continue to hold the DOJ accountable. Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025 Now, House Republicans from blue states are digging in, saying the Senate’s changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap are unacceptable. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 20 June 2025 Any American involvement beyond diplomacy would be unacceptable. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 In April 2021, the European Commission proposed a draft of the Artificial Intelligence Act, aimed at introducing a system of AI classification based on risks to users (minimal, limited, high, unacceptable). Olena Orliuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unacceptable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unacceptable
Adjective
  • The Verge reported a Tesla Model Y robotaxi briefly traveled the wrong way down a road in Austin.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • Her only 'crime' seems to be coming from the 'wrong' country.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.
    Emily Scarr, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • That is not inherently bad and tactical flexibility, particularly during a major tournament, is usually a boon.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Each show set off flurries of commentary — good and bad.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • If a person is not deficient in iron, too much iron can cause significant problems.5 3.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025
  • Noted: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans is deficient in Vitamin D.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • To be able to say that so many writers have been meaningful to you is not a horrible thing.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
  • If Flagg develops into the human triple double who leads the team to the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals in his first six years, the trade can be called not a horrible deal.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more, the Steelers failed to score a first-drive touchdown all season, were awful in the red zone, were awful on first down, and mostly awful in short yardage.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Outcomes for what’s referred to as ‘children in care’ remain unacceptably awful.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rarely great, and consistently cringey in that NHL way we’re used to by now, but rarely terrible.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Even the ones that aren’t strictly evil in the biblical sense are often prone to doing terrible things.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unacceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unacceptable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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