it was a satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a satisfactory" is not complete and requires additional context to be correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, experience, or outcome that met expectations but may need a noun to follow, such as "it was a satisfactory result." Example: "After reviewing the project, I concluded that it was a satisfactory outcome for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Almanza said it was a "satisfactory" performance and that "the transformation of G4S is clearly under way".

The Guardian - Business

There were some scrummaging issues and one laughably inaccurate throw at the line-out, but all things considered, it was a satisfactory return.

Independent

Williams, 28, won the men's high-jump event at the U.S. Open Track and Field meet with relative ease Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, and for him, it was a satisfactory start to a year in which everyone's sights are firmly set on summer and the London Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, it was a satisfactory debut for Startups.

Forbes

It was a satisfactory start to the season for both sides, who are among the favourites for promotion from the fourth tier.

BBC

It was a satisfactory performance by the New Zealanders and Barrowclough was congratulated by American commanders for the division's work.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Auletta: Facebook is a threat because it is a satisfactory walled garden for so many of its 800 million users.

Huffington Post

Whether it is a satisfactory replacement for the traditional love story, however, is another matter.

The Guardian - Books

It's a satisfactory return for PGA Tour, but still a work in progress.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's a satisfactory settlement," he said of the license-fee freeze.

The New York Times

Although the major's latest expansion into 24 teams and 4 6-team divisions was confusing at first, it is a satisfactory substitute for the departed smaller leagues.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a satisfactory" when you want to express that something met expectations without necessarily exceeding them. It implies a sense of adequacy rather than excellence. For example, "It was a satisfactory solution to the problem, although not the most elegant."

Common error

While "satisfactory" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal reports or presentations. Opt for more descriptive alternatives like "favorable", "successful", or "productive" to convey a more nuanced assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a satisfactory" functions as a subjective assessment, describing the quality or outcome of something as meeting a basic level of acceptability. Based on Ludwig, this phrase is used to convey that expectations were met, without necessarily indicating exceptional performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a satisfactory" is a phrase used to convey that something met a basic level of expectation without necessarily being exceptional. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various reputable sources, primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts. While acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context and opt for more descriptive alternatives in more formal settings. Ludwig AI also highlights that a noun should follow to better form the sentence. Overall, it serves as a neutral assessment, indicating adequacy rather than excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was an acceptable outcome

This alternative replaces "satisfactory" with "acceptable outcome", emphasizing the acceptance of the result.

it was a sufficient result

This alternative uses "sufficient" to highlight that the result was adequate for the purpose.

it was an adequate performance

Using "adequate" focuses on the performance meeting the minimum requirements.

it was a decent accomplishment

This alternative replaces "satisfactory" with "decent accomplishment", suggesting a reasonably good achievement.

it was a tolerable experience

This option uses "tolerable" to imply the experience was acceptable, though perhaps not ideal.

it was a passable effort

Using "passable" emphasizes that the effort met the minimum standard.

it was a fair success

This alternative focuses on the level of success being just and reasonable.

it was a reasonable achievement

This alternative uses "reasonable" to highlight that the achievement was logical and appropriate.

it was an okay job

Using "okay" offers an informal way to describe the quality of the job as acceptable.

it was an average showing

This alternative implies that the performance was neither particularly good nor bad.

FAQs

What does "it was a satisfactory" mean?

The phrase "it was a satisfactory" indicates that something met the minimum requirements or expectations, implying it was acceptable or adequate but not necessarily exceptional.

What can I say instead of "it was a satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "it was an acceptable outcome", "it was a sufficient result", or "it was an adequate performance" depending on the context.

Is "it was satisfactory" formal or informal?

"It was satisfactory" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider more precise alternatives.

How to use "it was a satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a satisfactory" to describe a result, performance, or experience that met expectations. For instance, "The meeting achieved its goals; it was a satisfactory conclusion to the project."