is highly unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is highly unsatisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong level of dissatisfaction with something, such as a service, product, or performance. Example: "The quality of the report is highly unsatisfactory and does not meet our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The current condition of public spaces in housing estates is highly unsatisfactory.

Procedia Manufacturing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most of them are highly unsatisfactory even as theories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The early arc lamps were highly unsatisfactory and were replaced in 1880 by 45 of Joseph's Swan's newly invented incandescent bulbs – not cheap at 25/- each.

The Guardian

"I think making sure that the audience voice is heard and there's a proper and transparent process is really important because…the 2010 licence fee settlement was highly unsatisfactory and I don't think it's acceptable to have anything like that again".

The Guardian

According to Lord Grade, the then chairman of the BBC who set the Trust's shape: "What went before was highly unsatisfactory, because all the information that was necessary for the governors to make their decisions was edited, prepared and slanted by the management.

The Guardian

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said it was "highly unsatisfactory" that MPs would not have an opportunity to consider the information in the register before finally approving the bill.

BBC

Solutions involving interpreters who have to be booked in advance, or using unqualified friends or family members to translate, are highly unsatisfactory.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

A recent report by the Royal Society also found that computer education in English schools was "highly unsatisfactory" and highlighted a shortage of teachers capable of teaching computer science with only 35% of England's ICT teachers being subject specialists.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is highly unsatisfactory", ensure the context clearly explains the reason for the dissatisfaction. Provide specific details to support your assessment and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is highly unsatisfactory" as a blanket statement without providing supporting evidence or specific examples. Overusing strong language without justification weakens your credibility and dilutes the impact of your criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is highly unsatisfactory" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a strong negative evaluation. It asserts that something fails to meet expectations or standards to a significant degree, consistent with Ludwig's validation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is highly unsatisfactory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey strong disapproval or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, be sure to provide specific details to support your assessment and avoid overuse without proper justification. Alternatives such as "is deeply disappointing" or "is utterly unacceptable" can be used to vary your expression while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deeply disappointing

Emphasizes the disappointment aspect more strongly than merely unsatisfactory.

is extremely inadequate

Focuses on the lack of sufficiency or suitability of something.

is utterly unacceptable

Conveys a sense of complete rejection or disapproval.

is severely deficient

Highlights the shortcomings or defects present.

is notably subpar

Indicates performance below an expected standard.

is remarkably flawed

Draws attention to significant imperfections or faults.

is plainly insufficient

Stresses the inadequacy or lack of something needed.

is manifestly deficient

Focuses in a formal register the deficiency.

is considerably imperfect

Highlights the imperfection and its measure.

is patently unsuitable

Underscores the inappropriateness of something for a particular purpose.

FAQs

What does "is highly unsatisfactory" mean?

The phrase "is highly unsatisfactory" expresses a strong feeling of disappointment or disapproval, indicating that something fails to meet expectations or standards. It implies a significant level of deficiency or inadequacy.

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

Use "is highly unsatisfactory" when you want to express strong dissatisfaction with a situation, result, or product. For example: "The performance of the new software "is highly unsatisfactory" and requires immediate improvement."

What can I say instead of "is highly unsatisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "is deeply disappointing", "is extremely inadequate", or "is utterly unacceptable" depending on the level of dissatisfaction you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is unsatisfactory" and "is highly unsatisfactory"?

Yes, "is highly unsatisfactory" intensifies the level of dissatisfaction compared to "is unsatisfactory". The addition of "highly" emphasizes a stronger degree of disapproval or inadequacy.