Inacceptable vs. Unacceptable: The Correct Spellings

The word "unacceptable" has its roots in the verb "accept" combined with the negating prefix "un-." The most direct form derived from "unacceptable" is "accept," with other related words including "acceptance" and "acceptably."

When choosing between "inacceptable" and "unacceptable," the correct and widely accepted term is "unacceptable." The prefix "un-" in English is commonly used to indicate the negative or opposite of the original word, making "unacceptable" the standard term for something that cannot be accepted. The term "inacceptable" may arise from confusion with other words that use the "in-" prefix for negation, like "inaccurate" or "inadequate."

To remember the spelling of "unacceptable," consider other words that start with the prefix "un-," like "unaware" or "unwilling." These words and their meanings can serve as reminders that "un-" is the appropriate prefix for "unacceptable."

Incorrect: The behavior displayed is completely inacceptable.

Correct: The behavior displayed is completely unacceptable.

Incorrect: It's inacceptable to arrive so late to an important meeting.

Correct: It's unacceptable to arrive so late to an important meeting.

Incorrect: Your excuse is inacceptable in this situation.

Correct: Your excuse is unacceptable in this situation.

Incorrect: Such results are inacceptable for the standards we set.

Correct: Such results are unacceptable for the standards we set.

Incorrect: The quality of this work is inacceptable.

Correct: The quality of this work is unacceptable.

Not adequate; insufficient in degree.

Causing disapproval or protest.

Not suitable or agreeable in character or quality.

Not meeting necessary requirements or standards.

Not permissible or allowable.

Not acceptable; unsatisfactory.

unsatisfactory; not acceptable

(linguistics) not conforming to accepted usage

Something that is not acceptable.

Not acceptable; not pleasing; not welcome; unpleasant; disagreeable; displeasing; offensive.

not adequate to give satisfaction;

not acceptable; not welcome;

used of persons or their behavior;

not conforming to standard usage;

The company deemed the proposal unacceptable and requested revisions.

It is unacceptable to speak to others in a disrespectful manner.

Arriving over an hour late to the event is unacceptable.

Submitting work after the deadline is unacceptable in this course.

Selling products of such low quality is unacceptable.

The level of noise in the library became unacceptable.

The team's performance was considered unacceptable by the coach.

The customer service at the restaurant was unacceptable.

The condition of the apartment was unacceptable to the new tenants.

It's unacceptable to break the rules of the game.

It is unacceptable to ignore safety protocols on the construction site.

Using someone else's work without credit is absolutely unacceptable.

The treatment of the animals at the facility was deemed unacceptable.

Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable in our community.

The use of outdated references in the research paper is unacceptable.

Failing to apologize for a mistake is unacceptable.

It is unacceptable to use a mobile phone while driving.

For a professional athlete, such a lack of effort is unacceptable.

The argument presented was illogical and therefore unacceptable.

The conditions in the prison were found to be unacceptable.

Bullying in any form is unacceptable at our school.

Parking in handicap spots without a permit is unacceptable.

The level of pollution in the river has reached an unacceptable level.

Leaving trash in the park is unacceptable behavior.

It is unacceptable for a teacher to show favoritism towards any student.

To do something that is beyond what is considered acceptable or appropriate.

"Unacceptable" combines the verb "accept" with the negating prefix "un-." It denotes something that cannot be accepted.

Think of other words with the "un-" prefix, like "unaware" or "unwilling," to remember the correct form.

Both terms convey the idea of something not being acceptable, but "unacceptable" is the standard and widely used form in English.

"Inacceptable" is not the standard form and is rarely used, but might occasionally be seen in older texts or by non-native speakers.

The correct spelling is "unacceptable." The term "inacceptable" is a less common variant but is not the standard form.

Yes, related words include "accept," "acceptance," and "acceptably."

"Unacceptable" follows the common English convention of using the "un-" prefix to denote negation, making it more familiar to speakers.

Practice using the word in sentences and remind yourself of the "un-" prefix's meaning, which denotes negation.

Yes, in some words like "inaccurate" or "inadequate," the "in-" prefix indicates negation.

In meaning, yes, but "unacceptable" is the standard term you'd want to use in most contexts.