Definition

In a way that is not acceptable or satisfactory; beyond what is allowed or tolerated.

Example

The behavior of the team was unacceptably poor during the match.

Conversation

Did you see how they treated that customer at the cafe?

Yeah, it was really rude of them.

I mean, that kind of behavior is just unacceptably poor service.

Absolutely, they should know better than to treat people like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unacceptably → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "accept" (from Latin "acceptare", meaning to receive), and "-ably" (meaning in a manner). The word "unacceptably" means in a manner that is not acceptable or not able to be received favorably.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'receiving' ('accept') in a way that describes how something is done — that's why unacceptably means it's done in a way that isn't acceptable.

Visually Confused Words