un·ex·cep·tion·a·ble
(
n
k-s
p
sh
-n
-b
l)
KEY
ADJECTIVE:
- Beyond any reasonable objection; irreproachable.
OTHER FORMS:
unex·ception·a·ble·ness
(Noun),
unex·ception·a·bly
(Adverb)
Usage Note:
The confusion between
unexceptionable and
unexceptional is understandable, since both derive from the noun
exception. Unexceptionable takes its meaning from
exception in the sense "objection," as in the idiom
take exception to ("find fault with, object to"). Thus
unexceptionable is commendatory, meaning "not open to any objection or criticism," as in
A judge's ethical standards should be unexceptionable. Unexceptional, by contrast, is related to the adjective
exceptional ("outstanding, above average), which takes its meaning from
exception in the sense "an unusual case"; thus
unexceptional generally has a somewhat negative meaning, "not superior, run-of-the-mill" as in
Some judges' ethical standards have unfortunately been unexceptional.
