acceptable
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.good enough for what you need, even if it is not perfect.
adj.meeting a required standard; satisfactory or adequate for a given purpose.
Simple“The hotel room was basic, but it was acceptable for a one-night stay.”
In context“While the initial draft required several minor revisions, the overall quality of the research was deemed acceptable by the review board.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.considered right or okay by most people or by the rules.
adj.socially, legally, or ethically permissible within a specific context.
Simple“It is no longer acceptable to smoke inside public buildings in this country.”
In context“The committee debated whether such a casual tone was acceptable for a formal diplomatic correspondence.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.just okay; not bad, but not very good either.
adj.barely worthy or less than excellent; describing something that is merely passable.
Simple“His performance in the play was acceptable, but he didn't stand out.”
In context“The student produced an acceptable translation, though it lacked the stylistic nuance required for a top grade.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a person or thing that meets the requirements to be included.
n.a person or object categorized as meeting the criteria for acceptance.
Simple“The list of candidates was divided into the acceptables and the rejects.”
In context“In sociological studies of group dynamics, individuals are often coded as acceptables or outsiders based on their adherence to local norms.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form when referring to people.
Usage acceptable level · consider acceptable · deem acceptable
“Residents, many of whom are parents with young children, or are elderly or disabled, said this was not an acceptable solution.”
“Shorts, strappy tops and sandals: What is acceptable to wear to work?”
From Middle English acceptable, from Anglo-Norman and Middle French acceptable, from Late Latin acceptābilis (“worthy of acceptance”). Morphologically accept + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.