いただけない

Meanings

unacceptable; unsatisfactory; not good enough

usually written using kana alone

Used to express that something is not up to standard, cannot be accepted, or is disappointing. Often used in negative evaluations or complaints.

このレポートの内ない容ようはいただけない。
The content of this report is unacceptable.
彼かれの態たい度どはまったくいただけない。
His attitude is completely unsatisfactory.

See all 12 example sentences ›

Kanji

頂place on the head, receive, top of head
戴be crowned with, live under (a ruler), receive

Related words

だめ
だめ is a more direct and casual way to say something is no good or not allowed, while いただけない is a softer, more formal expression of dissatisfaction.
受うけ入いれられない
受け入れられない means 'cannot be accepted' in a broader sense, including ideas or proposals, while いただけない is more about quality or standards.

Written forms

頂いただけない
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
戴いただけない
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.

Etymology

The negative potential form of the humble verb いただく (to receive), literally meaning 'cannot receive'. It has developed into a fixed expression meaning 'unacceptable' or 'unsatisfactory'.