it is unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is unsatisfactory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express dissatisfaction or disapproval with something. Some common situations where this phrase could be used are: 1. In a formal complaint letter: "I am writing to inform you that the service provided was unsatisfactory. My expectations were not met and I am extremely disappointed." 2. In a performance review at work: "Your performance has been unsatisfactory in certain areas. Please work on improving your communication skills and meeting deadlines." 3. In a conversation with a friend: "I tried the new restaurant in town, but the food was unsatisfactory. I don't think I will be going back there." 4. In a product review: "I bought this product based on its advertised features, but it turned out to be unsatisfactory. The quality was not up to par and it broke after just a few uses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If the actual character of an object does not agree with its intended character, it is unsatisfactory from the author's point of view, and if the author's conception of an object does not agree with its intended character, the artifact is subjectively unsatisfactory from the author's point of view.

SEP

Otherwise that undermines the whole process, If witnesses decline to give evidence simply because it is unsatisfactory to them, its not appropriate.

The Guardian

An individual, at least, may feel that this or that view will not do precisely because it achieves comprehensiveness by turning its back on fact; and, though it is unsatisfactory to fall back on personal judgment in this way, there is perhaps no other alternative in this difficult area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While certification is not solely based on the index of completeness, it remains a very important measure of registry quality, and it is unsatisfactory that there is no attempt to quantify its reliability for each registry.

Cancer Causes and Control

"It is unsatisfactory that the lack of capability was not addressed with greater urgency much earlier," the report said.

The Guardian

Although BEPSd with the old fw performs well for some plant function types (PFTs), it is unsatisfactory for others.

Ecological Modelling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Either way it's unsatisfactory.

The New York Times - Books

It was unsatisfactory, and about a week later he was subjected to a second cure.

The New Yorker

At no time, however, did I feel it was unsatisfactory in any way.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a diagnosis, this seems inarguable, but as mythmaking it's unsatisfactory -- it takes all the air out of the story.

The New York Times

If you look at the research in monetary economics on policy at the zero lower bound, it's unsatisfactory, so we've got a lot to discuss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unsatisfactory", clearly state the specific reasons for your dissatisfaction. This adds credibility and allows for targeted improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unsatisfactory" without providing context. Simply stating something is unsatisfactory without explaining why weakens your argument and provides no direction for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unsatisfactory" functions as a subjective assessment or evaluation. It expresses an opinion or judgment that something does not meet the speaker's or writer's expectations. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often prefaces specific reasons for dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is unsatisfactory" serves as a direct way to express disappointment or disapproval. Grammatically correct and commonly used, it appears in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage implies that something fails to meet expectations. When employing this phrase, providing specific reasons for the assessment adds credibility and encourages improvement. Related phrases, such as "it is inadequate" or "it falls short", can offer alternative ways to convey a similar sentiment. Ultimately, clarity and context are key to effectively using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is inadequate

Replaces 'unsatisfactory' with 'inadequate', suggesting something does not meet the required standard or is insufficient.

it is unacceptable

Substitutes 'unsatisfactory' with 'unacceptable', indicating something is not tolerable or allowable.

it is deficient

Uses 'deficient' instead of 'unsatisfactory', highlighting a lack of something necessary or expected.

it is subpar

Replaces "unsatisfactory" with "subpar", indicating that something is below average.

it falls short

Uses a more figurative expression, indicating something does not reach the desired level or expectation.

it does not suffice

Replaces 'unsatisfactory' with 'does not suffice', meaning something is not enough or adequate.

it is regrettable

Changes the focus to the feeling evoked by the situation, rather than the quality of the thing itself.

it leaves much to be desired

Emphasizes the lacking qualities of the subject, indicating a strong sense of disappointment.

it isn't up to scratch

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that something does not meet the required standard.

it is not good enough

States directly that something does not reach the required standard of quality or performance.

FAQs

What does "it is unsatisfactory" mean?

The phrase "it is unsatisfactory" means that something does not meet expectations or requirements, causing dissatisfaction. It implies a deficiency or inadequacy in the subject being described.

How to use "it is unsatisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "it is unsatisfactory" to express disapproval or disappointment with something. For example, "The quality of the product "it is unsatisfactory", given the price."

What can I say instead of "it is unsatisfactory"?

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

Which is correct, "it is unsatisfactory" or "it was unsatisfactory"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "it is unsatisfactory" for present dissatisfaction and "it was unsatisfactory" for past dissatisfaction.