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Unsatisfactorily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsatisfactorily

[ˌʌnsætɪsˈfæk.tər.ɪ.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a disappointing manner

In a manner that fails to meet expectations or desires; poorly or inadequately.

Synonyms

badly, inadequately, poorly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsatisfactorily

Used when something fails to meet expectations or standards, often in formal assessments or evaluations.

  • The homework was completed unsatisfactorily and needs to be redone.
  • Her performance in the project was rated unsatisfactorily by her supervisor.
poorly

Commonly used to describe subpar performance, especially in everyday language. Can be used to describe various aspects like health, performance, or conditions.

  • He performed poorly on the exam.
  • She felt poorly after eating the old food.
inadequately

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that is lacking or insufficient in some way. Often refers to a lack of necessary resources, preparation, or ability.

  • The equipment was inadequately maintained, leading to frequent breakdowns.
  • The training program was inadequately designed for the needs of the staff.
badly

Often used in everyday situations to describe poor performance or negative outcomes. It can also convey a sense of harm or severe impact. This word can have a more negative connotation.

  • The team played badly and lost the game.
  • She was hurt badly in the accident.

Examples of usage

  • He performed unsatisfactorily in the exam.
  • The project was completed unsatisfactorily and had to be redone.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of unsatisfaction can lead to motivation for change or improvement in a person's life.
  • Cognitive dissonance often arises when reality falls short of expectations, contributing to feelings of unsatisfaction.
  • Research shows that acknowledging unsatisfactory experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Literature

  • Authors often explore themes of unsatisfaction in characters, driving plots of struggle and development.
  • In classic literature, the pursuit of happiness is often depicted as fraught with unsatisfaction, reflecting real human experiences.
  • Poets frequently use the concept to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought about life's fleeting joys.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often find themselves unsatisfied with their lives, leading to dramatic and pivotal moments.
  • Songs about heartbreak and disappointment frequently express feelings of unsatisfaction in relationships.
  • Television shows often depict everyday scenarios culminating in unsatisfactory outcomes, resonating with audiences.

Education

  • In educational settings, assessing unsatisfactory performances helps in shaping improvements in teaching methods.
  • Students frequently experience unsatisfaction with grades, prompting discussions about effort versus reward.
  • Critical feedback is often seen as a constructive form of addressing unsatisfactory work, guiding future learning.

Origin of 'unsatisfactorily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'un-' (not) and 'satisfactory' (pleasing) from Latin roots, signifying a lack of satisfaction.
  • The suffix '-ly' transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner in which something is done.
  • The word has been in English since the 18th century, growing in use as standards for quality increased.

The word 'unsatisfactorily' is formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective 'unsatisfactory'. The base word 'unsatisfactory' comes from the prefix un- meaning 'not' and the word 'satisfactory' meaning 'meeting expectations or needs'. 'Satisfactory' is derived from the Latin word 'satisfactorius', which means 'sufficient or adequate'. The concept of satisfaction dates back to the 15th century, where it was used to denote the action of making restitution or amends for a wrong. Over time, 'satisfactory' evolved to refer to meeting requirements or expectations, leading to the formation of 'unsatisfactory' and subsequently 'unsatisfactorily'.

See also: disatisfaction, dissatisfaction, dissatisfied, dissatisfiedly, dissatisfy, dissatisfying, insatisfactory, satisfaction, satisfactorily, satisfactoriness, satisfactory, satisfied, satisfy, satisfying, satisfyingly, unsatisfactory, unsatisfying.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,709 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.