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Unsatisfactory: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsatisfactory

 

[ ˌʌnsætɪsˈfæktəri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

performance evaluation

Not reaching the expected standard or level; not satisfactory.

Synonyms

disappointing, inadequate, substandard, unacceptable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsatisfactory

Used when something does not meet expected standards or requirements but lacks strong emotional reaction.

  • The exam results were unsatisfactory.
  • The service provided by the hotel was unsatisfactory.
substandard

Used when something is below the required standard or quality, often implying poor quality.

  • The construction of the building was substandard.
  • The food served at the restaurant was substandard.
inadequate

Used when something is not sufficient or enough for a particular purpose, often highlighting a lack of resources or ability.

  • The resources available for the project were inadequate.
  • His knowledge of the subject was inadequate.
unacceptable

Used when something is completely inappropriate or intolerable, often indicating strong disapproval.

  • His behavior at the meeting was unacceptable.
  • The delays in the project were deemed unacceptable.
disappointing

Used when something fails to live up to expectations, evoking a sense of personal letdown.

  • The movie was quite disappointing.
  • Her performance at the concert was disappointing.

Examples of usage

  • The company received an unsatisfactory rating from the customer.
  • His work was deemed unsatisfactory by the supervisor.
  • The quality of the product was unsatisfactory compared to the competition.
  • The students were disappointed with their unsatisfactory grades.
  • The team's performance in the match was unsatisfactory.
Context #2 | Adjective

general usage

Not giving satisfaction; not meeting one's needs or expectations.

Synonyms

displeasing, insufficient, unfulfilling, unsuitable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsatisfactory

Use in formal settings to describe something that does not meet standards or expectations.

  • The quality of the product was unsatisfactory.
  • His performance was deemed unsatisfactory by the supervisor.
unfulfilling

Use when describing something that does not provide satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment, often in personal or emotional contexts.

  • His job felt unfulfilling and monotonous.
  • She found her relationship unfulfilling despite their mutual love.
unsuitable

Use when something is not appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

  • The attire he wore was unsuitable for the formal event.
  • This tool is unsuitable for the task at hand.
insufficient

Use when there is not enough of something, especially in formal or technical contexts.

  • The evidence provided was insufficient to support the claim.
  • We have insufficient funds to continue the project.
displeasing

Use when something causes annoyance or is not enjoyable, often in an everyday or casual context.

  • The noise from the construction site is quite displeasing.
  • I found the movie's ending displeasing.

Examples of usage

  • She found the service to be unsatisfactory and decided to switch providers.
  • The hotel room was unsatisfactory, so they requested a different one.
  • The lack of response to their complaints left them feeling unsatisfied.
  • The conditions of the contract were deemed unsatisfactory by the client.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsatisfactory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insatisfatório

🇮🇳 असंतोषजनक

🇩🇪 unbefriedigend

🇮🇩 tidak memuaskan

🇺🇦 незадовільний

🇵🇱 niesatysfakcjonujący

🇯🇵 不満足な

🇫🇷 insatisfaisant

🇪🇸 insatisfactorio

🇹🇷 tatmin edici olmayan

🇰🇷 불만족스러운

🇸🇦 غير مرضٍ

🇨🇿 neuspokojivý

🇸🇰 neuspokojivý

🇨🇳 不满意的

🇸🇮 nezadovoljiv

🇮🇸 ófullnægjandi

🇰🇿 қанағаттанарлықсыз

🇬🇪 დაუკმაყოფილებელი

🇦🇿 qaneedici olmayan

🇲🇽 insatisfactorio

Etymology

The word 'unsatisfactory' originated in the mid-17th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with the word 'satisfactory'. It has been used to describe things that do not meet expectations or requirements. Over time, the word has become commonly used in various contexts, especially in evaluations, assessments, and customer feedback.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,665 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.