Cool MateThat's no good vs Unacceptable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's no good
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Unacceptable
FormalTop 3,000 (common)B2adjective
Most formal: Unacceptable
| That's no good | Unacceptable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nəʊ ɡʊd//🇺🇸 //ðæts noʊ ɡʊd// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌnəkˈseptəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌnəkˈseptəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | That is not acceptable or helpful. | Not okay or not allowed. |
| Example | I forgot to bring my homework, and the teacher said, 'That's no good.' | Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society. |
| Register | Informal | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | that's no good for you, that's no good at all, that's no good idea | be, prove, seem, absolutely, completely, entirely, to |
| Antonyms | - | acceptable, agreeable, satisfactory |
| Common mistakes | Using it in formal writing or speeches., Confusing it with 'that's good.', Overusing in situations that need constructive feedback. | 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 | Used in casual conversations to express dissatisfaction. Avoid in formal contexts or professional settings. | Use 'unacceptable' in formal situations, such as professional settings or written complaints. Avoid in casual conversations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: That's no good vs Unacceptable
What's the difference between That's no good and Unacceptable?
That's no good: That is not acceptable or helpful. Unacceptable: Not okay or not allowed.
Which is more formal: That's no good and Unacceptable?
Unacceptable is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
That's no good: I forgot to bring my homework, and the teacher said, 'That's no good.' Unacceptable: Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.
Can I use That's no good and Unacceptable interchangeably?
Not always. That's no good 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.