Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's satisfactory
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
I do hope it's satisfactory.
News & Media
But we're only willing to do it if it's on our terms and if it's satisfactory to the Galaxy.
News & Media
"It's satisfactory because we were better than we were last year," said Davies.
News & Media
"If it's satisfactory to the … court, then I think we will have found that win-win solution that we have been asking for all along".
News & Media
Bathe your duck overnight in a brine flavored with maple, rosemary, mustard and bourbon (the cook should always sample the liquor to make sure it's satisfactory, more than once if necessary), then slow-smoke the bird over hickory.
News & Media
I mean it's nice to know it's satisfactory, but I like to know if it's up or down.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
We didn't think it was satisfactory.
News & Media
Thomas questioned Rogers about whether it was satisfactory that Thomas Cook should have accepted that assurance from the hotel without question.
News & Media
More than half – 53.4% – rated his performance as poor or very poor, 18.8% said it was satisfactory, while the remaining 27.8% believed it was good or very good.
News & Media
Though a compromise version had to be worked out that would appeal to Southerners, it is satisfactory to others as well.
News & Media
BMI is not a brilliant tool for every individual – biceps packed with muscle weigh as much as flab – but it is satisfactory at a population level.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's satisfactory" to convey a sense of adequacy or acceptance, but consider stronger synonyms if you want to express greater enthusiasm or approval.
Common error
Avoid relying too heavily on "it's satisfactory" in your writing, especially when describing something truly exceptional. Vary your vocabulary with more expressive alternatives like "excellent", "outstanding", or "remarkable" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's satisfactory" functions as an adjective phrase providing a subjective assessment of a situation, object, or performance. As shown in Ludwig, the assessment indicates that something meets the minimum requirement or expectations but it's not outstanding.
Frequent in
News & Media
28%
Science
52%
Wiki
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
4%
Encyclopedias
2%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's satisfactory" is a versatile adjective phrase used to convey a moderate level of acceptance or adequacy. Grammatically correct and found in various contexts, it suggests that something meets basic requirements without necessarily eliciting strong enthusiasm. As Ludwig confirms, it's a useful phrase for expressing a sense of 'good enough', though writers should be mindful of overusing it and consider stronger synonyms when appropriate. While not overwhelmingly common, its consistent presence across news, science, and general writing suggests its value in expressing a balanced assessment.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that's acceptable
Changes the adjective while keeping the overall structure.
that's adequate
Replaces 'satisfactory' with a synonym implying a basic level of sufficiency.
it meets expectations
Shifts the focus to fulfilled expectations rather than inherent satisfaction.
it's up to par
Uses an idiomatic expression meaning 'good enough'.
it's good enough
Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning of adequacy.
it suffices
Uses a more formal verb to convey that something is sufficient.
it's passable
Implies that something barely meets the required standard.
that will do
An expression indicating acceptance, often with a hint of reservation.
it's all right
A less enthusiastic expression of acceptance.
that's okay
A colloquial alternative expressing a mild degree of approval.
FAQs
How can I use "it's satisfactory" in a sentence?
You can use "it's satisfactory" to express that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations. For example, "The quality of the work isn't exceptional, but "it's satisfactory" for now".
What are some alternatives to "it's satisfactory"?
Some alternatives include "it's acceptable", "it's adequate", or "it meets expectations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "it's satisfactory" formal or informal?
"It's satisfactory" falls in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "it suffices".
What does "it's satisfactory" imply?
"It's satisfactory" implies that something is good enough or meets a basic level of requirement. It does not necessarily indicate excitement or delight but rather a level of acceptance.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested