B2adjective2K

Acceptable

UK /["/əkˈseptəbl/"]/US /["/əkˈseptəbl/"]/

Definition

agreed or approved of by most people in a society

In simple words: Okay or good enough to be used.

Examples

  • The noise level in the library is not acceptable for studying.
  • Her performance was deemed acceptable by the judges.
  • It's acceptable to ask questions during the presentation.
  • The terms of the agreement were acceptable to both parties.
  • Make sure your excuses are acceptable; otherwise, you might face consequences.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written contexts to indicate something that meets necessary standards. It can be formal in academic contexts and more casual in everyday conversations. Avoid in circumstances that require high standards or exceptional quality.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'accept' as getting a thumbs up, meaning it's good enough.

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • highly
  • very
  • completely
  • to
  • the boundaries of acceptable…
  • the bounds of acceptable…
  • the limits of acceptable…
  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • highly
  • very
  • completely
  • to
  • the boundaries of acceptable…
  • the bounds of acceptable…
  • the limits of acceptable…

Synonyms

  • tolerable
  • satisfactory
  • reasonable
  • adequate
  • fair

Antonyms

  • unacceptable
  • unsatisfactory
  • poor

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'acceptable' vs 'accepted'.
  • Using 'acceptable' as a noun incorrectly.
  • Overusing 'acceptable' in contexts that require stronger words like 'excellent' or 'outstanding'.