Meaning & use
unacceptably
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Meaning
adverb
In a way that is not satisfactory or allowed; too bad to be accepted.
Grammar: Used to modify adjectives, verbs, or whole clauses, often before an adjective: unacceptably high, unacceptably slow.
Patterns
- unacceptably + adjective
- unacceptably + verb
- behave unacceptably
The train was unacceptably late, so we missed our connection.
The company's response to the complaint was unacceptably slow.
He behaved unacceptably at the meeting, shouting at his colleagues.
Common combinations
- unacceptably high
- The level of pollution in the river is unacceptably high.
- unacceptably low
- The pay for part-time staff is unacceptably low.
- unacceptably slow
- The internet connection here is unacceptably slow.
- behave unacceptably
- The children behaved unacceptably during the school trip.
- unacceptably long
- We had to wait an unacceptably long time for a reply.
Synonyms and how they differ
- intolerably
- Suggests something is so bad it cannot be endured, often used for physical discomfort or extreme situations.
- unbearably
- Focuses on emotional or physical pain that is too much to bear, rather than on rules or standards.
- inappropriately
- Used when something is not suitable for a particular situation or social context, rather than simply wrong or not allowed.
Opposites
Word family
- unacceptable adjective
- Not good enough to be accepted or allowed.
- acceptably adverb
- In a way that is good enough or allowed.
- acceptability noun
- The quality of being good enough or allowed.
Commonly confused: unacceptably or unaccepted?
unacceptably vs unaccepted
Means not yet accepted or received, often used for invitations or offers, not for judging behavior or standards.
Practice
The weather was ______ hot for the marathon, so it was cancelled.
Choose one answer.
We need an adverb to modify the adjective 'hot', so 'unacceptably' is correct. 'Unacceptable' is an adjective and cannot modify another adjective. 'Unaccepted' means not accepted, which doesn't fit the context of weather being too hot. 'Acceptably' means in a satisfactory way, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unacceptably”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.