entirely satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely satisfactory" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means something is completely acceptable or meets all expectations. Example: The results of the experiment were entirely satisfactory, meeting all of the criteria set by the research team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, neither is entirely satisfactory.

The New Yorker

None of these is entirely satisfactory.

Independent

The structure is not entirely satisfactory.

The Economist

But is this really an entirely satisfactory answer?

The New York Times

There are some possible explanations, but none entirely satisfactory.

The New York Times - Health

But none of these explanations are entirely satisfactory.

The Economist

It was entirely satisfactory in combat during World War I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's worth saying, nonetheless, that our dealings with Mercer weren't entirely satisfactory.

The Guardian

Overall, however, it was not a result either team could find entirely satisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

The script was entirely satisfactory: the storytelling was brisk, the jokes appalling, the characters familiar.

The Guardian

The operation was completely uneventful and the patient's condition is entirely satisfactory".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely satisfactory" to clearly convey that something meets all requirements or expectations without any reservations. This phrase is effective in formal contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "entirely satisfactory" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "perfectly fine" or "completely acceptable" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely satisfactory" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the adjective "satisfactory", indicating a complete level of fulfillment or acceptance. Ludwig's analysis confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely satisfactory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It conveys a sense of complete fulfillment or acceptance. While versatile, it is more prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "completely acceptable" and "perfectly adequate". When using "entirely satisfactory", ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing and avoids overuse in casual settings. Ludwig's analysis highlights its consistent usage across diverse sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing complete satisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely acceptable

Replaces "satisfactory" with "acceptable", emphasizing the acceptance aspect.

perfectly adequate

Substitutes both words with synonyms conveying sufficient quality.

fully sufficient

Uses synonyms to emphasize completeness and adequacy.

altogether pleasing

Shifts the focus to the positive and agreeable nature of something.

thoroughly adequate

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the adequacy.

wholly sufficient

Stresses the sufficiency of something in its entirety.

entirely suitable

Highlights the appropriateness of something for a specific purpose.

perfectly fine

Offers a more informal way to express satisfaction.

completely fulfilling

Focuses on the sense of satisfaction derived from completeness.

entirely acceptable without reservation

Adds "without reservation" to make the meaning explicit.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely satisfactory" to describe a result, outcome, or performance that completely meets expectations. For example, "The experiment's results were "entirely satisfactory", confirming our hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "entirely satisfactory"?

Alternatives include "completely acceptable", "perfectly adequate", or "fully sufficient", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "entirely satisfactory" or "completely satisfactory"?

"Entirely satisfactory" and "completely satisfactory" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "satisfactory" and "entirely satisfactory"?

"Satisfactory" implies that something meets a minimum requirement, while ""entirely satisfactory"" suggests that something surpasses expectations and is wholly acceptable without any reservations.