acceptable

/əkˈsɛptəbəl/
adjectiveIntermediate
general

meeting required standards or expectations

The restaurant's hygiene standards were acceptable.

The restaurant met basic cleanliness requirements.

His performance was barely acceptable.

His work met the minimum required level.

💡

Often used to describe something that is adequate but not outstanding.

Collocations

acceptable toconsidered satisfactory byacceptable levela satisfactory standardacceptable riska risk that is considered tolerable

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

acceptable use policyphrase
rules governing appropriate use of a service or system
acceptable lossphrase
a loss that is considered tolerable in a given context

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

In formal contexts, 'acceptable' often implies meeting minimum standards, while in informal contexts, it may suggest something is just 'okay'.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Overusing 'acceptable' can make your writing sound vague or unenthusiastic. Use more specific adjectives when possible.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'acceptable', from Latin 'acceptabilis', meaning 'capable of being received or accepted'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe something that meets minimum requirements but may not be ideal.

Word Breakdown

accept
to receive or agree to
root
+
-able
capable of
suffix
English Dictionary