Satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that meets a certain standard or requirement, often in evaluations or assessments. Example: "The results of the project were satisfactory, meeting all the outlined objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, secularism means keeping open the possibility that there may not be satisfactory answers to difficult questions, be they scientific, political or existential, that humanity cannot help but ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem with swords made of light is that, by its nature, light is massless – it will simply pass through other light like an appalling coward, instead of colliding with it with a satisfactory "bwwwooOOUumm-TSSSK". Scientists at the MIT Centre for Ultracold Atoms, in Massachusetts, recognise the problem of light's irritating pacifism and are taking important steps to correct it.

The Guardian - Film

The uncertainty in their voices betrayed their serious intent, and neither solution seemed satisfactory.

The Guardian

In the background, the eternal debate over whether the art can or should be separated from the artist rumbles on, no closer to a satisfactory conclusion than it ever has been.

The Guardian - Film

Am I right to fear that the answers, when they eventually come, will not be satisfactory, or is it good to keep the viewer guessing?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His partner drove him to a hospital, where Elder said he's listed in "satisfactory but stable condition".

The Guardian

Bale's performance totally overshadowed a promising debut from Emyr Huws, the 20-year-old Manchester City midfielder who showed some nice touches on what was a highly satisfactory evening for Coleman.

The Guardian - Sport

Still the chances were that he would be satisfactory, and I should have the pleasure of helping him to his chance to repair the new world's troubles.

The Guardian

If the British state, in whatever form - we are not quite sure which bit of the British state we are dealing with - wants to get that material, then I think they have to do it through a more satisfactory procedure than this bizarre bit of the Terror Act that relates solely to ports and transit lounges of airports.

The Guardian

"We were desperate to get three points but I suppose when a team comes having won 20 games in a row and we get a draw it is satisfactory".

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking to BBC 5 Live's BeSpoke programme, a lawyer for SCA Promotions, Jeff Tillotson, said that a lawsuit could be filed as soon as next week: "We will likely file that lawsuit as soon as next week unless we get a satisfactory response from Armstrong's camp.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "satisfactory", ensure the context clearly defines the standards or expectations against which something is being evaluated. Be specific about what makes it 'satisfactory' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "satisfactory" as a default term for everything that is 'okay'. Instead, use more descriptive adjectives that convey the specific qualities or achievements, for example, "acceptable" or "adequate".

Linguistic Context

The word "satisfactory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they meet a certain standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is acceptable or adequate. Examples from Ludwig show its use in evaluating results, conditions, and agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satisfactory" is a commonly used adjective that describes something as meeting a certain standard or requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it signifies adequacy, it lacks the emphasis of excellence. To improve clarity, be specific about the criteria for satisfaction. Alternatives include "acceptable" and "adequate", which can be used based on the specific nuance desired. "Satisfactory" appears frequently in News & Media, Business, and Science contexts, reflecting its role in evaluations and assessments across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acceptable

This term suggests something meets a minimum requirement or standard.

Adequate

This term emphasizes that something is sufficient for a specific purpose.

Meeting expectations

This phrase suggests that performance or results align with what was anticipated.

Sufficient

This highlights that something is enough to meet a need or requirement.

Up to par

This indicates something meets the expected level of quality or performance.

Competent

This focuses on the skill or ability to perform a task to a satisfactory level.

Good enough

This is an informal way of saying something meets the required standard, though perhaps not excellently.

Reasonable

This implies fairness or appropriateness in the context of what is expected or required.

Passable

This implies that something is just good enough, often with a hint of mediocrity.

Tolerable

This suggests something is barely acceptable but not ideal.

FAQs

How to use "satisfactory" in a sentence?

Use "satisfactory" to describe something that meets the required standard or expectation. For example, "The student's performance was satisfactory" or "The solution provided a satisfactory resolution to the problem."

What can I say instead of "satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "acceptable", "adequate", "sufficient", or "passable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "satisfactory" or "excellent"?

"Satisfactory" implies meeting the minimum requirements or expectations, whereas "excellent" indicates surpassing expectations. Choose the word that accurately reflects the quality or performance you are describing. If something just meets requirements, then "satisfactory" is more accurate. If something is much better than the requirements, use "excellent".

What does it mean when something is described as "satisfactory"?

When something is described as "satisfactory", it means that it is adequate or acceptable; it meets the required standards or expectations without necessarily being exceptional or outstanding. It indicates a level of fulfillment that is sufficient but not necessarily remarkable.