are not satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

"are not satisfactory" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express dissatisfaction or disappointment with something. Example: "The results of the project are not satisfactory. We need to review and make changes to improve our performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We all recognise that these results are not satisfactory.

The Guardian - Business

Second, we show that other candidate distinctions are not satisfactory.

Columbia University

"The results are not satisfactory and not on the level of our competitors".

The New York Times

But if those options are not satisfactory, he said, just take the wine back.

The New York Times - Food

"I've had many a conference call in my time and they are not satisfactory at all".

The Guardian - Sport

However, in most of the cases, their bioadhesion properties are not satisfactory.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

The world's fisheries are not satisfactory – more than half are fully exploited and 28% are overexploited, says a UN report.

The Guardian

Therefore, the existing linear theories for mechanics interpretation of those phenomena are not satisfactory.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Although the RF approach has potential benefits, the empirical results of previous WSME models are not satisfactory.

University of California, Berkeley

A statement of why the reasons for the determination of the dean are not satisfactory to the grievant.

Stanford University

If the new limits are not satisfactory then the undo command can be used to restore the previous ranges.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not satisfactory" when you want to express that something does not meet expectations or requirements. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "are not satisfactory" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "aren't good enough" or "don't cut it" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not satisfactory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun or noun phrase as failing to meet expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

14%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey that something fails to meet expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its neutral to professional tone makes it appropriate for various settings, including academic, business, and news contexts. When a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives like "are inadequate" or "fall short". As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears often in scientific literature, news articles, and formal business communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unacceptable

Emphasizes the unacceptability of something, implying a stronger rejection.

are inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or lack of something.

are insufficient

Similar to "are inadequate", highlighting a quantitative lack.

are subpar

Indicates something is below the expected standard.

are deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage, often in a technical or formal context.

don't measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

fall short

Indicates a failure to reach a desired level or outcome.

are disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment caused by the inadequacy.

are regrettable

Emphasizes the unfortunate or undesirable nature of something.

are lamentable

Similar to "are regrettable" but with a stronger sense of sorrow or grief.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not satisfactory"?

When something "is not satisfactory", it means that it does not meet the required standards, expectations, or needs. It suggests a level of disappointment or inadequacy.

How can I use "are not satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "are not satisfactory" to express dissatisfaction with results, conditions, or performance. For instance: "The current sales figures "are not satisfactory" and require immediate action."

What are some alternatives to "are not satisfactory"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are inadequate", "are unacceptable", or "fall short". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "is not satisfactory" or "are not satisfactory"?

"Is not satisfactory" is used with singular nouns or uncountable nouns, while "are not satisfactory" is used with plural nouns. For example, "The result is not satisfactory", versus "The results "are not satisfactory"".