Words / B2

uhk-SEPT-uh-bl/əkˈseptəbl/

Acceptable means good enough to be allowed: an acceptable standard; socially acceptable. Accept is the verb (already in the dictionary). Adequate is about quantity or bare sufficiency. Unacceptable is the opposite. Graduate schemes: a 2:2 may be acceptable. Do not call a fail acceptable.

Meaning

Good enough to be allowed or agreed; also socially OK.

Examples

• “A 2:2 is acceptable for this graduate scheme, but a 2:1 is preferred.”
• “The noise at night was not acceptable under the licence.”

Good to know

acceptable to / for; an acceptable level. Verb: accept. Close: adequate. Opposite: unacceptable. Jobs/exams: minimum acceptable grade.

Near in meaning

adequate

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