What Is Another Way to Say “Not Acceptable”?

Looking for synonyms for not acceptable? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not acceptable.

  • Unacceptable
  • Inadmissible
  • Unsuitable
  • Inappropriate
  • Unfit
  • Impermissible
  • Intolerable
  • Inexcusable
  • Indefensible
  • Unwarranted
  • Unjustifiable
  • Unallowable
  • Inconceivable
  • Unreasonable
  • Unthinkable
  • Incompatible
  • Insupportable
  • Irreconcilable
  • Unpalatable
  • Unwelcome

Want to learn how to say not acceptable professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Unacceptable

Used when something is not satisfactory or permissible, especially in professional standards.
Example: “The quality of the final report was unacceptable and requires revision.”

2. Inadmissible

Refers to something not allowed or valid, especially in a legal context.
Example: “The evidence presented was inadmissible in the court proceeding.”

3. Unsuitable

Used when something is not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.
Example: “His approach to the project was deemed unsuitable for our current strategy.”

4. Inappropriate

Indicates something not suitable or proper in the given circumstances.
Example: “The comments made by the employee were inappropriate for the workplace.”

5. Unfit

Used to describe something that is not of the necessary quality or standard.
Example: “The machinery was found to be unfit for use in the production line.”

6. Impermissible

Refers to something that is not allowed or is forbidden, often by law or policy.
Example: “The use of unauthorized software is impermissible in the company.”

7. Intolerable

Describes a situation or behavior that is unacceptable because it is too bad or extreme.
Example: “The working conditions in the factory were intolerable and needed immediate attention.”

8. Inexcusable

Used when an action or mistake is too bad to be justified or excused.
Example: “The delay in the project delivery was inexcusable and cost us a key client.”

9. Indefensible

Refers to actions or arguments that cannot be defended or justified.
Example: “The financial discrepancies in the report were indefensible.”

10. Unwarranted

Describes something that is not justified or necessary.
Example: “The criticism he received for his decision was unwarranted.”

11. Unjustifiable

Used when something cannot be shown to be right or reasonable.
Example: “The risks involved in the proposed investment are unjustifiable.”

12. Unallowable

Refers to something that is not permitted, especially in a financial or regulatory context.
Example: “These expenses are unallowable according to the company’s policy.”

13. Inconceivable

Indicates something that is impossible to imagine or believe.
Example: “The level of data loss was inconceivable and led to a major investigation.”

14. Unreasonable

Used when something is not guided by or based on good sense.
Example: “The demands made by the client were unreasonable and beyond the scope of our agreement.”

15. Unthinkable

Describes something that is too shocking or unlikely to be considered.
Example: “A security breach of this magnitude was previously unthinkable.”

16. Incompatible

Refers to things that are so different in nature as to be incapable of coexisting.
Example: “The new software is incompatible with our existing IT infrastructure.”

17. Insupportable

Used to describe something that cannot be supported or justified.
Example: “The budget cuts to the research department are insupportable.”

18. Irreconcilable

Indicates something that is so different or opposed that agreement is impossible.
Example: “There were irreconcilable differences in the team regarding the project’s direction.”

19. Unpalatable

Refers to something that is unpleasant and difficult to accept or endure.
Example: “The terms of the agreement were unpalatable to the board.”

20. Unwelcome

Describes something not wanted or favorable in a particular situation.
Example: “The sudden changes in the market were unwelcome and disrupted our planning.”

Linda Brown