cannot be satisfied

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be satisfied" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that a certain desire, expectation, or requirement cannot be fulfilled. For example: "My thirst for knowledge cannot be satisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Demand cannot be satisfied.

The Economist

"We cannot be satisfied with what has been done.

The Guardian

I cannot be satisfied with what I have done".

The New York Times - Sports

He cannot be satisfied with the grey palate of Warsaw.

Independent

"We cannot be satisfied to keep losing money".

The New York Times

The prevailing wisdom is that the court cannot be satisfied without spending more money.

The New York Times

We cannot be satisfied until every part of our economy is healthy and vigorous.

The New York Times

We cannot be satisfied with only high efficiency; customer service is important, too.

The New York Times

Bill is the leader of the men; he is withdrawing, his ambitions cannot be satisfied.

The New Yorker

"We cannot be satisfied with passing nonbinding resolutions that we know this president will ignore".

The New York Times

We cannot be satisfied right now because our next opponent will be just as tough".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be satisfied", ensure the subject of the sentence clearly defines what is unable to be fulfilled. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "cannot be satisfied" in overly casual conversation might sound unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't get enough" or "isn't enough" to maintain a more conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be satisfied" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing a subject's inability to reach a state of fulfillment or have its requirements met. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be satisfied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the impossibility of fulfilling a need, desire, or requirement. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and versatile. It appears most often in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. While various alternatives exist, such as "cannot be fulfilled" or "impossible to satisfy", the best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When employing "cannot be satisfied", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is unable to be fulfilled, and consider using simpler phrasing in very informal settings. Overall, this phrase offers a clear and effective way to express inherent limitations or unachievable conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to satisfy

Directly states that satisfying the need or desire is not possible.

cannot be fulfilled

Emphasizes the inability to meet a requirement or expectation.

cannot be met

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving a specific goal or standard.

unfulfillable

Describes something that cannot be fulfilled or satisfied.

cannot be contented

Highlights a state of perpetual dissatisfaction or lack of peace.

beyond satisfaction

Indicates that the scope or extent is more than can be satisfied.

cannot be appeased

Implies that attempts to pacify or satisfy are ineffective.

cannot be quenched

Conveys the idea of an insatiable thirst or desire.

insatiable

A single word describing the inability to be satisfied.

does not suffice

Highlights that something is inadequate and cannot satisfy the present need.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be satisfied" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be satisfied" to express that a need, desire, or requirement is impossible to fulfill. For example, "His hunger for power "cannot be satisfied"" or "The court's demands "cannot be satisfied" without additional funding".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be satisfied"?

Alternatives include "cannot be fulfilled", "cannot be met", or "impossible to satisfy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "cannot be satisfied" in a formal setting?

Yes, "cannot be satisfied" is perfectly appropriate in formal writing and speech when you want to express the impossibility of fulfilling a certain need or condition. The phrase is widely used in formal reports, academic papers, and professional communications.

What is the difference between "cannot be satisfied" and "will not be satisfied"?

"Cannot be satisfied" implies an inherent impossibility of fulfillment, while "will not be satisfied" suggests a refusal to accept something, even if it meets certain criteria. The former is about impossibility, and the latter is about unwillingness.