French Phrase
C'est inacceptable.
Meaning
Literally ‘It is unacceptable.’ The speaker is expressing strong disapproval or that a situation, behavior, or decision does not meet an acceptable standard.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to voice a firm objection, especially in formal or semi‑formal contexts such as work meetings, customer‑service complaints, or written letters. In casual conversation you might soften it with ‘c’est vraiment inacceptable’ or use a less strong synonym.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estinacceptable.
C'est (ce + est)
C'est is the contraction of the demonstrative pronoun ce (this/that) and the verb être (to be). It introduces a statement about something previously mentioned or obvious.
Inacceptable (in‑ + acceptable)
Inacceptable is an adjective meaning ‘unacceptable’. It is invariable; it does not change with gender or number.
🗨In Conversation
C'est inacceptable.
That's unacceptable.
Je suis d'accord, nous devons trouver une solution rapidement.
I agree, we need to find a solution quickly.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est pas acceptable.
‘Pas acceptable’ is colloquial; in formal contexts you should use the full form ‘Ce n'est pas acceptable’ or the stronger ‘C'est inacceptable’.
C'est inacceptables.
‘Inacceptable’ is invariable; it never takes an -s even when referring to plural nouns.
C'est inacceptablee.
Adding an extra ‘e’ to make it agree with a feminine noun is incorrect; the adjective stays the same.
↔Alternatives
C'est inadmissible.
That's inadmissible.
C'est intolérable.
That's intolerable.
Ce n'est pas acceptable.
It is not acceptable.
Cultural Tip
In French, directly calling something ‘inacceptable’ can sound quite strong. In professional emails or formal complaints, it’s common to pair it with a request for action (e.g., ‘C’est inacceptable, je vous prie de…’). In everyday speech, many native speakers prefer the softer ‘pas acceptable’ or ‘pas correct’, especially with friends.