is very unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very unsatisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express dissatisfaction or disappointment with a particular situation, outcome, or quality. Example: "The service we received at the restaurant is very unsatisfactory, and we will not be returning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is very unsatisfactory".

The New York Times

It is very unsatisfactory, and I do accept that".

The Guardian

As your correspondent noted, the PBS national feed is available, but it is very unsatisfactory and repetitive.

The New York Times - Tech

"[But] our concern is that in this area, where the public interest test inevitably depends upon profound difficult questions of ethics, it is very unsatisfactory from the point of view of consistency and avoiding arbitrariness to have these decisions taken by crown prosecutors without guidance in form of policy".

The Guardian

Even though the Dodge and Metzner (1959) model was developed using this data, its performance is very unsatisfactory.

Petroleum Science

The contention of this paper is that the typical Indian would require such information in his mother-tongue, and that the availability of such information in Indian languages is very unsatisfactory.

Smart Learning Environments

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There never seem to be any plain heroines, except Jane Eyre, and she was very unsatisfactory.

The New Yorker

It was "very unsatisfactory" that the committee was able only to request information rather than require the security and intelligence agencies to provide it, he added.

The Guardian

If the party of which I'm a member makes an announcement which has the potential to breach the law and those obligations then I will argue against it … It would be very unsatisfactory".

The Guardian

For relatively great quantities, radium could be weighed but it would require a careful purification of the radium salt and the precision would in general be very unsatisfactory, considering the high price (about £10 the milligramme of this element).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The results are very unsatisfactory.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is very unsatisfactory", ensure the context is clear, specifying exactly what aspects are causing dissatisfaction to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is very unsatisfactory" as a generic complaint. Instead, be specific about what is unsatisfactory and why. For instance, instead of saying "The service is very unsatisfactory", state "The service is very unsatisfactory because the staff were inattentive and the food was cold."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very unsatisfactory" functions as a subject complement, describing the state or quality of the subject. It indicates a negative assessment or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as showcased in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is very unsatisfactory" is used to express a strong feeling of disappointment or disapproval, indicating that something fails to meet expectations or standards. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate in various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science, while leaning towards a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, providing specific details about the source of dissatisfaction enhances clarity. While grammatically sound, overuse without specifics should be avoided. Alternatives like "is quite disappointing" or "fails to meet expectations" can provide nuance or formality, where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite disappointing

Replaces "very unsatisfactory" with a more moderate expression of disappointment.

is highly inadequate

Emphasizes the insufficiency of something, rather than general dissatisfaction.

is seriously lacking

Focuses on the deficiency or absence of essential elements.

is far from ideal

Suggests that something does not meet the required standards or expectations.

is simply not good enough

Conveys a strong sense of inadequacy and unacceptability.

fails to meet expectations

Directly states that something did not fulfill anticipated requirements.

is not up to par

Indicates that something falls below the expected level of quality.

does not measure up

Indicates a failure to reach a certain level or standard.

leaves much to be desired

Highlights the lack of desirable qualities or features.

is a major letdown

Emphasizes the disappointment and frustration caused by something.

FAQs

What does "is very unsatisfactory" mean?

The phrase "is very unsatisfactory" expresses a strong feeling of disappointment or disapproval about something because it does not meet expectations or standards.

What are some alternatives to "is very unsatisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite disappointing", "is highly inadequate", or "leaves much to be desired" depending on the context.

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

You can use it to express your discontent with a service: "The customer service I received today is very unsatisfactory." Or you can describe a situation you are not happy with: "The current progress on this project is very unsatisfactory."

Is it okay to use "is very unsatisfactory" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate for formal writing, but consider alternatives like "is highly inadequate" or "fails to meet expectations" for a more professional tone.