is satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is satisfactory" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or thing that is acceptable or meets the required standards. For example: "The results of the exam are satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The score is satisfactory".

The New Yorker

The haircut is satisfactory.

The Guardian - Books

Our relationship is satisfactory".

The New York Times

When is satisfactory not satisfactory?

The Guardian

The only other possible grade is satisfactory.

The New York Times

I think the ending is satisfactory.

Independent

Melodically, the Pythagorean system is satisfactory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I trust the above is satisfactory".

The New Yorker

Secondaries: Swan Valley Community School is "satisfactory".

The Guardian - Money

"I don't think that stating their opposition is satisfactory.

The Guardian

Today, we will abolish the notion that mediocrity is satisfactory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is satisfactory" when describing something that meets the minimum requirements or expectations but may not be exceptional. It's suitable for situations where a higher standard isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "is satisfactory" when a more positive or enthusiastic term would be more appropriate. For example, if something exceeds expectations, use words like "excellent", "outstanding", or "exceptional" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is satisfactory" functions as an adjectival phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe something that meets the necessary requirements or standards. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts, such as assessing scores, relationships, or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something meets a minimum acceptable standard without necessarily being exceptional. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in diverse domains, from news and media to scientific research, underlining its versatility. While alternatives like "is adequate" or "meets requirements" might sometimes be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance, "is satisfactory" remains a reliable and broadly applicable choice for conveying a sense of sufficiency. It's most effective when describing situations where exceeding expectations is not essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is acceptable

Indicates a level of approval or agreement, suggesting something is good enough.

is adequate

Suggests a minimum level of sufficiency, possibly implying that more would be preferable.

is sufficient

Emphasizes that the subject is enough for a specific purpose or need.

meets requirements

Implies the subject fulfills a set of predetermined criteria or needs.

is suitable

Highlights the appropriateness of the subject for a given context or situation.

fulfills the criteria

Specifically emphasizes that the subject meets established standards or specifications.

is up to par

Indicates the subject has reached the expected standard or level of quality.

is good enough

Suggests acceptance, although possibly with some reservation or lack of enthusiasm.

measures up

Indicates the subject compares favorably to a benchmark or expectation.

is passable

Suggests the lowest acceptable level, implying minimal quality.

FAQs

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

Use "is satisfactory" to describe something that meets a certain requirement or expectation without necessarily being outstanding. For example: "The quality of the work "is satisfactory" for the project's needs."

What can I say instead of "is satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "is acceptable", "is adequate", or "meets requirements" depending on the specific context and the degree of approval you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is satisfactory" or "is satisfying"?

"Is satisfactory" describes something that meets a minimum requirement, while "is satisfying" describes something that brings pleasure or contentment. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "is satisfactory" and "is excellent"?

"Is satisfactory" implies that something is merely adequate or acceptable, while "is excellent" suggests that something is of very high quality and exceeds expectations.