What is unacceptable? Pronunciation and usage in English

unacceptable means . Learn how to pronounce and use unacceptable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unacceptable

unacceptableadjective

/ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbl/
Definition & pronunciation of unacceptable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unacceptable" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ʌnˈæptɪˌbl̩/

Let's break this down syllable by syllable:

  • ʌn - This sounds like "un" as in "under." It’s a short, open “uh” sound.
  • ˈæptɪ – This is the stressed syllable.
    • æ - Like the "a" in "cat" or "hat." A slightly open, front vowel.
    • ptɪ - “pt” is pronounced as one sound - the “p” blends with the “t” and then the “i” sound like in “bit.”
  • ˌbl̩ – This is the unstressed syllable.
    • bl - The “b” sound.
    • ̩ – This symbol represents a reduced vowel sound. It’s a very short, neutral “uh” sound – much shorter and less emphasized than the first syllable. It’s almost like a tiny pause.

2. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with "un": "Un" (like "under")
  2. Add "apt": "Un-apt" (say “p” as in “pet”)
  3. Add "-i": "Un-apt-i" (the “i” as in “bit”)
  4. Add "-ble": "Un-apt-i-ble" (the “ble” as a single sound, with a very short, soft “uh” at the end)

3. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Stress: The most common mistake is not stressing the second syllable ("apt"). Make sure "apt" is pronounced more strongly.
  • The "bl" Sound: Don't pronounce "bl" as separate sounds. It’s a single, combined sound.
  • The "uh" at the end: That tiny, reduced "uh" sound at the end (represented by the ̩ symbol) is important. Don’t let it be long or pronounced like a “uh”. It's almost silent.
  • Don’t over-emphasize: “Unacceptable” is a formal word, so avoid a dramatic or exaggerated pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing It Pronounced:

  • Google Translate: Type "unacceptable" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. This is a good way to hear a native speaker. https://translate.google.com/
  • YouGlish: YouGlish is a website that shows you how words are pronounced in real-world videos. Search for "unacceptable" on YouGlish. https://youglish.com/

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English speaker, or do you have some experience?
  • Is there a specific accent you're trying to emulate (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word unacceptable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unacceptable" effectively in English. It's a strong word, so it's important to use it appropriately.

1. Meaning and Core Concept:

"Unacceptable" means something is not tolerable, cannot be allowed, or is considered unsuitable. It expresses a strong degree of disapproval. It’s about something going beyond what’s considered reasonable or acceptable standards.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

Here’s a breakdown of how to use it in different contexts:

  • Describing Behavior/Actions: This is perhaps the most common use.

    • "His behavior in the meeting was completely unacceptable." (meaning rude, inappropriate, etc.)
    • "It’s unacceptable to cheat on tests." (a general rule)
    • "The delay in delivery is unacceptable – we need a solution."

  • Describing Conditions/Situations:

    • "The level of pollution in this area is unacceptable."
    • "The lack of funding for education is unacceptable."
    • “The conditions in the warehouse are unacceptable; they need to be cleaned up.”

  • Responding to Requests/Demands: (Often with a firm tone)

    • "I’m sorry, but your request for a raise is unacceptable at this time."
    • “Asking for overtime every weekend is unacceptable – we need to discuss scheduling.”

  • Expressing Disagreement:

    • "I find your suggestion completely unacceptable."
    • "That proposal is simply unacceptable to me."

3. Grammatical Usage:

  • As an Adjective: It's almost always used as an adjective describing something. ("The unacceptable delay...")
  • With “to be” verbs: It’s frequently paired with “to be” verbs (is, are, was, were) – “It is unacceptable.” “Their actions were unacceptable.”
  • With “that” clauses: “It is unacceptable that people are suffering needlessly.”

4. Adding Emphasis (Variations):

  • Extremely unacceptable: “This is utterly unacceptable.”
  • Absolutely unacceptable: “That was absolutely unacceptable.”
  • Completely unacceptable: “The damage is completely unacceptable.”
  • Unconscionable: (A more formal and stronger term) This means shockingly bad or unjust. “It's unconscionable to deny someone healthcare.”

5. Alternatives (Depending on the nuance you want):

  • Inadmissible: (Often used in legal or formal contexts – meaning not allowed)
  • Unforgivable: (Expressing a strong feeling of disapproval and lack of forgiveness)
  • Unthinkable: (Suggesting something is beyond belief or possibility)
  • Regrettable: (If you want to express disappointment without strong condemnation)
  • Problematic: (A milder term, suggesting something needs to be addressed)

6. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The company's decision to lay off employees without warning was unacceptable."
  • "His constant negativity is unacceptable in this team."
  • “The government’s policies on environmental protection are unacceptable to many citizens.”
  • "I received an unacceptable amount of spam in my email inbox."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., a business setting, a personal situation, a formal report, casual conversation?)
  • Are there specific examples you'd like help using the word in?

Synonyms for the word unacceptable

Practice with vocabulary unacceptable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

  1. The company’s decision to ignore safety regulations was completely __________.
  2. While the delay was inconvenient, it was still __________ given the circumstances.
  3. Using offensive language in a professional environment is considered __________.
  4. The team found the proposal __________ and agreed to move forward with the plan.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (5 questions)

  1. Which of the following best describes behavior that violates ethical standards?
    a) Unacceptable
    b) Tolerable
    c) Manageable
    d) Questionable

  2. Which word is most appropriate to describe poor service at a restaurant?
    a) Unacceptable
    b) Reasonable
    c) Satisfactory
    d) Tolerable

  3. Which term can be used to describe something that cannot be approved?
    a) Acceptable
    b) Unacceptable
    c) Permissible
    d) Admissible

  4. Which of the following words are synonyms for "inappropriate"?
    a) Unacceptable
    b) Unsuitable
    c) Acceptable
    d) Proper

  5. Which word best fits the sentence: "The lack of communication from the team was __________."
    a) Unjustified
    b) Unacceptable
    c) Understandable
    d) Predictable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences (3 questions)

  1. Original: The quality of the product was not up to the expected standard.
    Rewrite: The quality of the product was __________.

  2. Original: It is not okay to treat your colleagues with disrespect.
    Rewrite: It is __________ to treat your colleagues with disrespect.

  3. Original: The delay in the project’s completion was intolerable.
    Rewrite: The delay in the project’s completion was __________.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. unacceptable
  2. reasonable
  3. unacceptable
  4. acceptable

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Unacceptable
  2. a) Unacceptable
  3. b) Unacceptable
  4. a) Unacceptable, b) Unsuitable
  5. b) Unacceptable

Exercise 3:

  1. The quality of the product was unacceptable.
  2. It is unacceptable to treat your colleagues with disrespect.
  3. The delay in the project’s completion was intolerable.

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