is not satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when something is unsatisfactory or inadequate. For example: "The quality of the product is not satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Security is not satisfactory," Major Ali said.

The New York Times

This state of affairs, they wrote, "is not satisfactory".

The New York Times - Science

"This situation is not satisfactory," the report noted dryly.

The New York Times

And many residents say that is not satisfactory.

The New York Times

This, in Hazell's view, is "not satisfactory – especially if post-election negotiations take some weeks.

The Guardian

"The security situation is not satisfactory these days," said Malik Tahir, a district elder.

The New York Times

But that is not satisfactory to Sampras, who has won 13 of 15 the Grand Slam finals he has played.

The New York Times - Sports

"For the national government, this is not satisfactory," Mr. Pastrana said in a national broadcast shortly after midnight today.

The New York Times

If that price is not satisfactory, the whole thing is certain to happen again in the next block.

The New York Times

Martin Foerder, project director for Bilfinger Berger said: "The current situation on Princes Street is not satisfactory for anybody.

The Guardian

I have been having to rely on my wife to give me money which is not satisfactory.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not satisfactory", be specific about why something is unsatisfactory. Providing context will make your statement more impactful and actionable.

Common error

While "is not satisfactory" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "inadequate" or "insufficient" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not satisfactory" functions as an adjective phrase, specifically a predicate adjective, describing a noun's state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show it expressing disapproval or inadequacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey that something does not meet expectations or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, specificity is key to enhance its impact. While versatile, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms for variety. Consider it a reliable workhorse for expressing dissatisfaction with measured precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not good enough

A more straightforward way to express that something fails to meet a certain standard.

is inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency of something, rather than its failure to meet expectations.

is not adequate enough

Highlights the insufficiency, and puts emphasis in the fact that something cannot be considered as adequate.

is insufficient

Highlights the lack of something needed, similar to "is inadequate" but can apply to both tangible and intangible aspects.

is unacceptable

Expresses a stronger level of disapproval or rejection compared to "is not satisfactory".

is deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

is not up to par

An idiomatic expression meaning something does not meet the required standard or expectation.

does not measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a specific comparison or benchmark.

is falling short

Implies a failure to reach a goal or target, often used in the context of performance or expectations.

is not quite right

This indicates a subtle problem or deviation from what is expected or desired, less blunt than "is not satisfactory".

FAQs

How can I use "is not satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "is not satisfactory" to express that something does not meet the required expectations or standards. For instance, "The performance of the new software is not satisfactory".

What are some alternatives to "is not satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "is inadequate", "is insufficient", or "is unacceptable" depending on the context.

Is "is not satisfactory" formal or informal?

"Is not satisfactory" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal writing.

What's the difference between "is not satisfactory" and "is unsatisfactory"?

"Is not satisfactory" and "is unsatisfactory" are nearly synonymous. "Is unsatisfactory" is slightly more concise, but both convey the same meaning.