Antonyms for the phrase "were acceptable" can be numerous depending on the context. Some possible options could be "were unacceptable," "were intolerable," "were inadequate," "were inappropriate," or "were disapproved." These words indicate a lack of approval or endorsement for the standards or requirements under consideration. In contrast to being acceptable, they suggest dissatisfaction with the situation or outcome, a need for improvement, or a departure from the desired norms. By considering opposites of a given idea, we can expand our vocabulary and deepen our understanding of semantic relationships, which enhances our communication skills and critical thinking abilities.