Insatisfactory: meaning, definitions and examples

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insatisfactory

[ˌɪnsætɪsˈfæktəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

work evaluation

Not reaching the required standard; inadequate or unacceptable.

Synonyms

substandard, unacceptable, unsatisfactory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insatisfactory	Typically used in more formal contexts to describe a lack of satisfaction or failure to meet expectations or requirements. It can be seen in academic, legal, or official documents. The results of the trial were insatisfactory and require further investigation. The committee found the project's progress insatisfactory and called for urgent improvements.
unsatisfactory	Used to describe a lack of satisfaction or the inability to meet needs or expectations. It is less formal than 'insatisfactory' and more common in daily speech or writing. The service at the restaurant was unsatisfactory, and we will not be returning. His performance in the role was unsatisfactory, and we need to consider other candidates.
substandard	Used to describe something that is below the expected or required quality or standard. It is often used in contexts where quality control is important, such as manufacturing, healthcare, or services. The construction materials used were substandard and did not meet safety regulations. Patients complained about the substandard care they received at the clinic.
unacceptable	Applied in situations where something is not just below expectations but also not tolerable. It conveys a stronger disapproval and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to express strong dissatisfaction. The employee's behavior was completely unacceptable and warranted disciplinary action. It is unacceptable for a product to fail so shortly after purchase.

Examples of usage

His performance was deemed insatisfactory by the supervisor.
The quality of the product was insatisfactory and needed improvement.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

service experience

Not meeting the expectations or requirements; disappointing.

Synonyms

below par, disappointing, unfulfilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insatisfactory	Typically used in more formal or official settings to describe something that does not meet the required standard or expectation. The final products were insatisfactory and needed several modifications The inspection report labeled the facility's conditions as insatisfactory
disappointing	Used when expressing personal feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness because something did not meet expectations. The movie was quite disappointing; I expected more from the director Her reaction was disappointing, to say the least
unfulfilling	Often used in the context of experiences, jobs, or relationships to describe something that does not provide satisfaction or a sense of achievement. Many people found their jobs unfulfilling and eventually quit The project was unfulfilling because it lacked any real challenge
below par	Commonly used in casual or informal settings, especially in sports or general evaluations, to indicate something that is not at the expected level. His performance in the last few games has been below par The quality of the service was below par for a five-star hotel

Examples of usage

The customer complained about the insatisfactory service provided by the restaurant.
The insatisfactory response from the support team left the client frustrated.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word is derived from Latin roots, where 'satis' means 'enough' and the prefix 'in-' means 'not'.
In English, 'insatisfactory' is less commonly used compared to its synonym but still conveys the same meaning of being insufficient.

Psychology

Experiencing feelings of dissatisfaction can lead to motivation for change, pushing individuals to seek improvements in their lives.
A lack of satisfaction is often linked to unmet expectations in various aspects of life, including work and relationships.

Education

In the academic realm, feedback labeled as insatisfactory can serve as a call for students to focus on areas of improvement.
Teachers often provide 'insatisfactory' grades to indicate that a student's work did not meet educational standards.

Pop Culture

Songs often explore themes of dissatisfaction, particularly in relationships, reflecting the emotional complexities in human connections.
Movies and literature frequently depict characters who confront insatisfactory circumstances, leading to personal growth or conflict resolutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "insatisfactory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insatisfatório

🇮🇳 असंतोषजनक

🇩🇪 unbefriedigend

🇮🇩 tidak memuaskan

🇺🇦 незадовільний

🇵🇱 niewystarczający

🇯🇵 不満足な

🇫🇷 insatisfaisant

🇪🇸 insatisfactorio

🇹🇷 tatmin edici olmayan

🇰🇷 불만족스러운

🇸🇦 غير مرضي

🇨🇿 neuspokojivý

🇸🇰 neuspokojivý

🇨🇳 不满意的

🇸🇮 nezadovoljiv

🇮🇸 ófullnægjandi

🇰🇿 қанағаттанарлықсыз

🇬🇪 უკმაყოფილო

🇦🇿 qaneedici deyil

🇲🇽 insatisfactorio