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acceptable
/əkˈsɛptəbəl/
meeting required standards
The quality of the product was acceptable for its price.
The product met basic standards given its cost.
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
Related Phrases
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
suffixEnglish Dictionary