highly unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly unsatisfactory" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is extremely dissatisfying or disappointing. Example: The customer service at the restaurant was highly unsatisfactory, as our food took over an hour to arrive and was cold when it finally did.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He described the fall in inspections as "highly unsatisfactory".

The Guardian

He calls the decision-making process "highly unsatisfactory".

The Guardian - Business

Most of them are highly unsatisfactory even as theories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a historian with Junquera's propensities, such vagueness is highly unsatisfactory.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is highly unsatisfactory to have this news blackout over the crucial Christmas period.

The Guardian

"The current delivery of computing education in many UK schools is highly unsatisfactory," the scientists, who include Nobel prize winner Paul Nurse, argue.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Many, on the left as on the right, regarded it as a highly inefficient, unsatisfactory system, prone to influence peddling, corruption and demagoguery.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, in the design stage of the power technology based on the horizontal axis river current, the turbine rotational speed characteristics should conform to that of the generator rotation speed; otherwise, the rate on the flux change will fail to meet its requirement, and thus, the energy production in the generator is highly possibly unsatisfactory, resulting in an inefficient power technology.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

What's surprising is that we see the shift to the 'expressive self' among the working class even though their economic lives are highly unstable and unsatisfactory.

The Guardian - Money

Because the structure of the new book is chronological, it reads like a highly selective and unsatisfactory autobiography, and because the Kinney and Bernstein biographies made such heavy use of the letters, it can't help echoing them.

The New Yorker

Labour shadow Welsh secretary Owen Smith said after Mr Crabb's appointment that it was a "highly unusual and unsatisfactory state of affairs".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly unsatisfactory", ensure the context clearly explains why something is unsatisfactory, providing specific details to support your assessment. For example, instead of just saying "The results were highly unsatisfactory", explain the specific shortcomings.

Common error

While "highly unsatisfactory" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound overly negative. Consider using more nuanced language to convey specific concerns, especially in formal reports. Also, avoid using it as a vague descriptor, instead focusing on the specifics that lead to the assessment.

Linguistic Context

Highly unsatisfactory functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, expressing a strong negative assessment. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. For example, the phrase is used to describe the handling of information as "highly unsatisfactory."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly unsatisfactory" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to express significant disappointment or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct, appearing most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about why something is unsatisfactory to avoid vague criticisms. While acceptable, especially in formal settings, vary your vocabulary by considering alternatives like "extremely disappointing" or "deeply inadequate" to avoid sounding overly negative. By understanding its usage patterns and alternatives, you can effectively convey your dissatisfaction with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely disappointing

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown and unmet expectations.

deeply inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or lack of quality.

utterly unacceptable

Focuses on the inappropriateness or intolerability of something.

thoroughly inadequate

Emphasizes a complete lack of suitability or competence.

completely unacceptable

Stresses the total lack of acceptance or approval.

terribly deficient

Highlights significant shortcomings or flaws.

seriously flawed

Focuses on the presence of significant defects or imperfections.

wholly insufficient

Emphasizes that something is entirely not enough or inadequate.

patently deficient

Highlights the obvious nature of the inadequacy.

manifestly unacceptable

Emphasizes the clear and undeniable unacceptability.

FAQs

How can I use "highly unsatisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "highly unsatisfactory" to describe situations or outcomes that are extremely disappointing. For instance: "The performance of the new system was "highly unsatisfactory", requiring immediate adjustments."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly unsatisfactory"?

Consider alternatives such as "extremely disappointing", "deeply inadequate", or "utterly unacceptable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very unsatisfactory" or "highly unsatisfactory"?

Both "very unsatisfactory" and "highly unsatisfactory" are acceptable. "Highly unsatisfactory" emphasizes a stronger degree of dissatisfaction. The choice depends on the specific level of emphasis needed in your writing.

What does it mean when something is described as "highly unsatisfactory"?

When something is described as "highly unsatisfactory", it means that it fails to meet expectations to a significant degree and causes considerable disappointment or displeasure. It suggests a more intense level of dissatisfaction than simply saying something is "unsatisfactory".