How to pronounce unacceptable
Say it like uhn-ak-SEP-tuh-bul. Unacceptable has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unacceptable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- ak
- SEP
- tuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unacceptable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- akKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unacceptable
American and British speakers say unacceptable in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnækˈsɛptəbəl/ in the US and /ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-uk-SEP-tuh-bul.
What does unacceptable mean?
- not adequate to give satisfaction“the coach told his players that defeat was unacceptable”
- not acceptable; not welcome“a word unacceptable in polite society”“an unacceptable violation of personal freedom”
- (used of persons or their behavior) not acceptable or reasonable“impossible behavior”
Where does unacceptable come from?
From Middle English unacceptabylle, equivalent to un- + acceptable.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unacceptable
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unacceptable.
Questions about saying unacceptable
How do you pronounce unacceptable?
Say uhn-ak-SEP-tuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnækˈsɛptəbəl/. In British English it is /ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unacceptable?
Unacceptable has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SEP). Broken into parts: uhn · ak · SEP · tuh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say unacceptable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnækˈsɛptəbəl/ and the British form is /ˌʌnəkˈsɛptəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.