not satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not meet expectations or standards. Example: "The results of the project were not satisfactory, prompting the team to reevaluate their approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not satisfactory at all".

The Guardian

It, too, was not satisfactory.

The New Yorker

When is satisfactory not satisfactory?

The Guardian

"Security is not satisfactory," Major Ali said.

The New York Times

"Life was just not satisfactory to her".

The New York Times

His apology is insufficient and not satisfactory".

The Guardian - Film

This state of affairs, they wrote, "is not satisfactory".

The New York Times - Science

"We all recognise that these results are not satisfactory.

The Guardian - Business

"From my perspective, his answers were not satisfactory".

The New York Times - Science

Some players got injured and the results were not satisfactory".

The Guardian - Sport

"That's probably not satisfactory to many of you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not satisfactory" to express a formal or neutral assessment of something that fails to meet requirements or expectations. It's suitable for reports, evaluations, and professional communications.

Common error

Avoid stacking negatives. Instead of saying "not not satisfactory", rephrase to "unsatisfactory" or "deficient" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not satisfactory" functions primarily as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something fails to meet expectations or requirements. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not satisfactory" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for denoting that something doesn't meet expectations or requirements. Ludwig confirms its validity and utility across various written contexts. It is especially common in news, science, and formal business settings, indicating a neutral to professional register. While many alternatives exist, they carry slightly different connotations, affecting the tone and nuance of the statement. When using the phrase, be mindful of avoiding double negatives for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unacceptable

Direct synonym implying something doesn't meet minimum requirements.

inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or deficiency of something.

insufficient

Similar to inadequate but emphasizes a lack of what is needed.

subpar

More informal term indicating something is below the expected standard.

lacking

Highlights the absence of necessary qualities or elements.

deficient

Similar to lacking, implying a specific shortage or defect.

disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of unmet expectations or failure to satisfy.

unfulfilling

Emphasizes the lack of satisfaction or contentment derived from something.

not up to par

Idiomatic expression indicating something doesn't meet the required level.

below expectations

Directly states that something has failed to meet anticipated standards.

FAQs

How can I use "not satisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "not satisfactory" to describe results, performance, or conditions that do not meet expectations. For example, "The quality of the product was "not satisfactory", so we returned it."

What's a more formal alternative to "not satisfactory"?

A more formal alternative could be "unacceptable" or "inadequate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not satisfactory" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not satisfactory" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It's a common way to express that something fails to meet a certain standard.

What are some less formal ways to say "not satisfactory"?

Less formal options include "not good enough", "subpar", or "disappointing", depending on the context.