frowned upon
Not considered acceptable
Frowned upon describes something met with disapproval, though not necessarily forbidden.
The phrase suggests social censure rather than formal prohibition—behavior that earns raised eyebrows or quiet judgment: Talking during the performance is frowned upon.
What's frowned upon varies by context; workplaces, families, and cultures each have their own unwritten rules about acceptable conduct.
- unacceptableNot meeting required standards
- improperLacking in propriety
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- not doneIncomplete, still pending
- discouragedHaving lost confidence or enthusiasm
disapproved · looked down on · taboo · criticized · ostracized · beyond the pale · sacrilegious · heretical · stigma · disfavored · shame · scorn · shunned · condemnation · contempt · disgraceful · censured · tut-tutting
frowned uponencouraged
Gave support and confidence
celebrated · praised · applauded · welcomed · embraced
frowned uponpermitted
Granted leave to proceed
allowed · acceptable · sanctioned · tolerated · condoned
frowned uponexpected
Regarded as likely
required · de rigueur · obligatory · customary · standard practice