Cool MateNot cool vs Unacceptable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not cool
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Unacceptable
FormalTop 3,000 (common)B2adjective
Most formal: UnacceptableMost common: Not cool
| Not cool | Unacceptable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt kuːl//🇺🇸 //nɑt kul// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌnəkˈseptəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌnəkˈseptəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Not acceptable or nice. | Not okay or not allowed. |
| Example | It was really not cool to cancel at the last minute. | Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society. |
| Register | Informal | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | that's not cool, not cool at all, totally not cool | be, prove, seem, absolutely, completely, entirely, to |
| Antonyms | - | acceptable, agreeable, satisfactory |
| Common mistakes | Using 'not cool' in very formal contexts, which can seem unprofessional., Assuming everyone understands 'not cool' as slang; it may not be clear to all audiences., Confusing with similar phrases that are more severe, like 'unacceptable'. | Confused with 'unacceptable' and 'unexceptable'., Used in casual contexts where simpler words like 'not okay' would fit better., Mispronounced, especially the 'un' part. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase in casual conversations when something is disappointing or inappropriate. It’s not suitable for formal situations. | Use 'unacceptable' in formal situations, such as professional settings or written complaints. Avoid in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Not cool vs Unacceptable
What's the difference between Not cool and Unacceptable?
Not cool: Not acceptable or nice. Unacceptable: Not okay or not allowed.
Which is more formal: Not cool and Unacceptable?
Unacceptable is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not cool and Unacceptable?
Not cool is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not cool: It was really not cool to cancel at the last minute. Unacceptable: Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.
Can I use Not cool and Unacceptable interchangeably?
Not always. Not cool and Unacceptable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.