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unacceptably

unacceptably

4 4.4
To a level that cannot be tolerated
  • adverb
  • /ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbli/
translation icon : inaceptablemente
  • Such a requirement would be unacceptably expensive and burdensome for respondents.
  • unacceptably high
  • unacceptably low
  • unacceptably high level

First, there will continue to be an unacceptably large number of child deaths in the world.

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Examples

  • And the rapid increase explains the poor services and the unacceptably long waiting times for services.

  • First, there will continue to be an unacceptably large number of child deaths in the world.

  • The human cost of this system is unacceptably high.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Anything more than this can result in unacceptably long download times.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The number of fourth-grade students reading below grade level remains unacceptably high.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The risk of an accidental or inadvertent nuclear launch is unacceptably high.

    Academic text (2005)
  • However, this normative data tended to be based on sample sizes that are unacceptably small.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The utility CEO resigned as a result of his company's unacceptably poor response.

    Blog text (25)
  • All of these trends have left the profession with unacceptably high levels of dissatisfaction, stress, and incivility.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The unacceptably high levels of pollution forced the city to take immediate action.

Synonyms

inappropriately
vsunacceptably
45 4.5

In a way that is not right for the situation

is used when an action is judged not allowed rather than only ill fitting
unbearably
vsunacceptably
12 4.9

So strong or bad that you cannot stand it

is used when something is judged not allowed rather than only intense
intolerably
vsunacceptably
2 6.3

So bad that someone cannot bear it

is used when something is judged not allowed or okay by others
unconscionably
vsunacceptably
2 8.9

In a way that is very unfair or too harsh

is used for general disapproval not only for unfair or immoral acts
unbecomingly
vsunacceptably
  • Formal
1 8.1

In a way that is not proper or suitable for the situation

is used when conduct is judged not allowed rather than merely lacking decorum
objectionably
vsunacceptably
7.7

In a way that many people find rude or offensive

is used when behavior is judged not allowed rather than merely displeasing
unpalatably
vsunacceptably
7.9

In an unpleasant way, often because it tastes bad or is hard to accept

is used when something is judged not allowed overall rather than just unpleasant
undesirably
vsunacceptably
4.8

In a way that people do not want or that causes problems

is used when something is judged not allowed rather than only unwanted

Antonyms

2 3.2

In a way that is good enough but not very good

How Acceptable

excellently
8 2.8
properly
686 1.0
acceptably
2 3.2
questionably
1 6.1
unacceptably
4 4.4
inadequately
8 4.4

Surface Forms

unacceptably positive

Morphology

unacceptably = unacceptable (transparent) = un + accept + able + ly

Formed by adding '-ly' to the clearly analysable adjective 'unacceptable' (un- + acceptable), yielding a manner adverb.

Etymology

Unacceptably is made from un- ('not'), accept ('to agree to or take'), -able ('able' or 'can') and -ly (shows 'how' something is done). So, something done unacceptably is done in a way that 'cannot be accepted' or tolerated.