cannot be satisfied with

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be satisfied with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing disappointment or dissatisfaction with something. For example: "She cannot be satisfied with her current job and is looking for something better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Such services represent a prospective way of satisfying the needs of demanding customers, which cannot be satisfied with QoS delivered by the usual best effort Internet connectivity.

European Journal of Operational Research

"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 with only high efficiency; customer service is important, too.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

When the target bitrate cannot be satisfied even with the maximum QP value, the frame rate is decreased by a half.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

When the target bitrate cannot be satisfied, even with a maximum QP value, a dyadic spatial resolution reduction (denoted by s_drop) or a dyadic temporal resolution reduction (denoted by t_drop) is applied.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In Folkman's defense, Cooke candidly depicts the competitive nature of academic medicine; the backbiting of those who cannot be satisfied by disagreeing with controversial theories and instead often seek to destroy their proponents; the unseemly task of raising prodigious amounts of money; and, for those of us who seek inspiration from long-distance runners like Folkman, the human need for hope.

The New York Times - Books

In fact, it has been shown by Alonso and Ortega [7] that, when the Lazer-Landesman condition cannot be satisfied, the solutions with large initial conditions are unbounded either in the past or in the future.

Advances in Difference Equations

Demand cannot be satisfied.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be satisfied with" to express a firm stance or expectation, indicating a desire for improvement or a higher standard. For example, "We cannot be satisfied with the current progress and must strive for better results."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be satisfied with" in overly casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not happy with" or "disappointed in" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be satisfied with" functions as a declarative expression used to convey discontent or a lack of acceptance regarding a particular situation, outcome, or standard. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses disappointment or dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be satisfied with" is a versatile expression used to convey dissatisfaction or a lack of acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in expressing disappointment. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. Key alternatives include "dissatisfied with" and "unhappy with", offering nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Best practice involves using it to set expectations firmly, while avoiding overuse in overly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissatisfied with

Directly expresses a lack of satisfaction regarding something.

not content with

Indicates a lack of contentment or peaceful acceptance.

displeased with

Emphasizes a feeling of unhappiness or annoyance.

unhappy with

Highlights a general feeling of unhappiness regarding a situation or outcome.

will not settle for

Suggests a refusal to accept something perceived as inadequate.

refuse to accept

Highlights the act of rejecting something outright.

unable to accept

Focuses on the inability to agree with or take something as it is.

find unacceptable

Emphasizes that something does not meet the required standards.

not prepared to accept

Implies a decision against accepting something, often due to its inadequacy.

cannot reconcile with

Emphasizes the impossibility of making something compatible or consistent with something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be satisfied with"?

You can use alternatives like "dissatisfied with", "unhappy with", or "not content with depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cannot be satisfied with"?

The phrase "cannot be satisfied with" is suitable for expressing a firm stance on something not meeting expectations. It's common in formal settings like business and news, but can be adapted for informal use with caution.

Is there a more formal way to say "cannot be satisfied with"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "find unacceptable" or "refuse to accept", which carry a stronger sense of disapproval.

What's the difference between "cannot be satisfied with" and "dissatisfied with"?

While similar, "cannot be satisfied with" often suggests a higher standard or expectation that isn't being met, whereas "dissatisfied with" is a more general expression of unhappiness or disappointment.