is wholly unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is wholly unsatisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is completely inadequate or not meeting expectations. Example: "The report submitted by the team is wholly unsatisfactory and does not address the key issues we discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nonetheless the process is wholly unsatisfactory from the point of view of managing a transport system, and flows from the arrangements for the PPP.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also noted that, in light of the Fed's dual mandate of creating the highest level of employment while consistent with price stability, "the current situation is wholly unsatisfactory".

The New York Times

"Viewed through the lens of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate — the pursuit of the highest level of employment consistent with price stability — the current situation is wholly unsatisfactory," the New York Fed president, William C. Dudley, said in a speech in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Times

"Without the Malaysia solution you've got a cobbled together Indonesian solution that is wholly unsatisfactory, it's not protecting the borders, it's not saving lives," Mr Carr told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABCC).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stage makeup proved to be wholly unsatisfactory for the motion-picture medium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's wholly unsatisfactory that the IPCC is denied answers … about the Metropolitan Police's use of this power".

Independent

Current unemployment and inflation, which is below the Fed's preferred levels, are "wholly unsatisfactory", William Dudley, the president of the New York Fed said on October 1st.No one is sure if QE2 will help.

The Economist

"It's wholly unsatisfactory that the IPCC is denied answers to the questions complainants raise about the Metropolitan police's use of this power, and that the IPCC is prevented from carrying out its statutory role".

The Guardian

In the letter, the two committee chairs said the information relating to the reorganisation of the department that the permanent secretary had provided was "wholly unsatisfactory" and his answers in oral evidence to their committees had been "obfuscatory, if not misleading".

The Guardian

Wright said Sports Direct's statement was "wholly unsatisfactory", adding: "I will assume your initial suggestion to me during our telephone conversation that the device was planted by a committee member was a spur of the moment misjudgement rather than what would be a very serious allegation".

The Guardian - Business

Mr Prior said the emergency care system should be a priority for change and it was "wholly unsatisfactory" that so many patients struggled to get an appointment with their GP.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is wholly unsatisfactory" to express strong disapproval or that something completely fails to meet the required standards. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

Common error

Avoid using "is wholly unsatisfactory" in casual or informal settings. It is a formal phrase that may sound overly harsh or out of place in everyday conversation; consider more moderate expressions like "isn't great" or "doesn't quite work."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is wholly unsatisfactory" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject to describe its state or condition. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently employed to convey a strong sense of disapproval or inadequacy, indicating that something completely fails to meet expectations or requirements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is wholly unsatisfactory" serves to express a strong negative judgment about something that fails to meet expectations entirely. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is grammatically correct and best suited for formal or professional contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While effective for conveying strong disapproval, it is important to consider the context and audience, as its intensity may be excessive for casual situations. Consider alternatives like "is completely unacceptable" or "is entirely inadequate" for similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is completely unacceptable

Emphasizes a stronger sense of unacceptability than mere dissatisfaction.

is entirely inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or lack of required quality.

is totally unacceptable

Similar to 'completely unacceptable', but with a stronger emphasis on totality.

is utterly inadequate

Like 'entirely inadequate' but with a stronger emphasis.

is thoroughly disappointing

Highlights the feeling of disappointment caused by something not meeting expectations.

is deeply flawed

Focuses on the presence of significant defects or shortcomings.

is seriously deficient

Emphasizes a lack of essential qualities or elements.

is quite inadequate

A slightly less forceful way of saying 'is inadequate'.

is far from ideal

Indicates that the situation or outcome is not optimal and requires improvement.

does not measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a particular standard or expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "is wholly unsatisfactory" to describe something that completely fails to meet expectations or requirements. For example, "The performance of the new system "is wholly unsatisfactory" and requires immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "is wholly unsatisfactory"?

Alternatives include "is completely unacceptable", "is entirely inadequate", or "is seriously deficient". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is wholly unsatisfactory"?

It's appropriate when you want to express strong disapproval or indicate that something is completely unacceptable or inadequate, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Is "is wholly unsatisfactory" too strong for some situations?

Yes, the phrase can be quite strong. In less formal settings, consider using milder expressions like "isn't ideal" or "is not up to par".