Unacceptable

April 9, 2026

Even the Pope did it. He called Trump’s threat to destroy the whole of Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.” Unacceptable? That’s it? Too many people in positions of power or authority use “unacceptable” when something much stronger is called for. To my mind, “unacceptable” is a weak word, even when pronounced with a generous measure of righteous indignation.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines “unacceptable” as “not pleasing or welcome.” One chocolate chip per cookie is unacceptable. Trump was threatening genocide, for heaven’s sake. That is way beyond merely “unacceptable.” How about “abhorrent,” “atrocious,” “condemnable,” “criminal,” “evil,” “heinous,” “outrageous,” “unconscionable”? Expand your vocabulary. Get your thesaurus and your dictionary and make a list of your own. Then when the need arises, you’ll have the perfect word for the occasion.

Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unacceptable