less than satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than satisfactory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation, object, service, performance, product, etc., that is not ideal and doesn't meet expected standards. For example: The customer service I received was less than satisfactory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was less than satisfactory".

The New York Times

Her reply was less than satisfactory.

The Guardian

For Hick, it was less than satisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

"That seems intellectually less than satisfactory with me".

The New York Times - Health

Whilst likely unintended, the imposition of such harm is less than satisfactory – both morally and operationally.

The Guardian - Opinion

His collaboration with Ray, in particular, had been less than satisfactory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"A less-than-satisfactory and less-than-effective approach".

The New York Times

Impact of Less-Than-Satisfactory Ratings and Remediation.

Columbia University

A less-than-satisfactory CRA rating has typically resulted in an automatic denial of such applications.

Columbia University

But it may be a less-than-satisfactory experience, leaving a shopper longing for a local shopping center.

The New York Times

She says people often reply with the word "fine" in less-than-satisfactory situations just to avoid confrontation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than satisfactory" to diplomatically express dissatisfaction without being overly critical. It's a softer way to point out flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "less than satisfactory" in casual conversation; simpler terms like "not good" or "disappointing" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than satisfactory" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something does not meet the expected standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than satisfactory" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express that something falls short of expectations. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While "less than satisfactory" is generally appropriate, more casual terms may be preferable in informal settings. Alternatives like "subpar" or "disappointing" can offer similar meaning with slight variations in formality and intensity. Overall, understanding when and how to use this phrase effectively can enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsatisfactory

Direct synonym, but without the "less than" construction.

below expectations

Directly states that something did not meet anticipated standards.

not up to par

Idiomatic expression indicating something is below the expected standard.

not good enough

Simple and direct expression of something being insufficient.

subpar

Single word alternative, more concise, slightly less formal.

falling short

Implies a failure to reach a required or expected level.

inadequate

Suggests something is not sufficient for a particular purpose.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage in quality or quantity.

disappointing

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown caused by something not meeting expectations.

lacking

Focuses on the absence of desired qualities or features.

FAQs

How can I use "less than satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "less than satisfactory" to describe anything that doesn't meet expectations. For instance, "The quality of the product was "less than satisfactory"".

What's a more formal alternative to "less than satisfactory"?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "subpar", "inadequate", or "deficient" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to use "less than satisfactory" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "less than satisfactory" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "not good enough" or "disappointing" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "unsatisfactory" and "less than satisfactory"?

"Unsatisfactory" and ""less than satisfactory"" are nearly synonymous. However, "less than satisfactory" can sometimes imply a milder degree of dissatisfaction compared to "unsatisfactory".