satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'satisfactory' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe something that meets the required standards. For example: "The student's test score was satisfactory for passing the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, secularism means keeping open the possibility that there may not be satisfactory answers to difficult questions, be they scientific, political or existential, that humanity cannot help but ask.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem with swords made of light is that, by its nature, light is massless – it will simply pass through other light like an appalling coward, instead of colliding with it with a satisfactory "bwwwooOOUumm-TSSSK". Scientists at the MIT Centre for Ultracold Atoms, in Massachusetts, recognise the problem of light's irritating pacifism and are taking important steps to correct it.

The Guardian - Film

The uncertainty in their voices betrayed their serious intent, and neither solution seemed satisfactory.

The Guardian

In the background, the eternal debate over whether the art can or should be separated from the artist rumbles on, no closer to a satisfactory conclusion than it ever has been.

The Guardian - Film

Am I right to fear that the answers, when they eventually come, will not be satisfactory, or is it good to keep the viewer guessing?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His partner drove him to a hospital, where Elder said he's listed in "satisfactory but stable condition".

The Guardian

Bale's performance totally overshadowed a promising debut from Emyr Huws, the 20-year-old Manchester City midfielder who showed some nice touches on what was a highly satisfactory evening for Coleman.

The Guardian - Sport

Still the chances were that he would be satisfactory, and I should have the pleasure of helping him to his chance to repair the new world's troubles.

The Guardian

If the British state, in whatever form - we are not quite sure which bit of the British state we are dealing with - wants to get that material, then I think they have to do it through a more satisfactory procedure than this bizarre bit of the Terror Act that relates solely to ports and transit lounges of airports.

The Guardian

"We were desperate to get three points but I suppose when a team comes having won 20 games in a row and we get a draw it is satisfactory".

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking to BBC 5 Live's BeSpoke programme, a lawyer for SCA Promotions, Jeff Tillotson, said that a lawsuit could be filed as soon as next week: "We will likely file that lawsuit as soon as next week unless we get a satisfactory response from Armstrong's camp.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "satisfactory" when you want to convey that something meets a necessary requirement or expectation without necessarily being exceptional.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "satisfactory" when describing something truly excellent. Consider using words like "outstanding", "exceptional", or "remarkable" to more accurately convey the quality.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "satisfactory" primarily functions as a qualifier, describing the degree to which something meets expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "satisfactory" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that meets requirements or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, as demonstrated by the examples from news, business, and scientific sources. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "acceptable" or "adequate" for nuances in meaning. While "satisfactory" is widely applicable, be mindful of overusing it when more descriptive adjectives could enhance your writing. Remember to select your words to enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable

Focuses on meeting a minimum requirement or standard.

adequate

Emphasizes sufficiency for a specific purpose.

sufficient

Highlights that something is enough to meet a need.

passable

Suggests something is just good enough, but not exceptional.

decent

Indicates a reasonable or respectable quality.

good enough

Informal way of saying something meets the basic requirements.

up to par

Implies meeting an expected standard or level of performance.

meeting expectations

Highlights that something aligns with what was anticipated.

serviceable

Focuses on functionality and usefulness, even if not perfect.

tolerable

Indicates something is acceptable despite some flaws or drawbacks.

FAQs

How to use "satisfactory" in a sentence?

Use "satisfactory" to describe something that meets the minimum requirements or expectations. For example, "The outcome of the experiment was satisfactory."

What can I say instead of "satisfactory"?

You can use alternatives like "acceptable", "adequate", or "sufficient" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "satisfactory" or "satisfying"?

"Satisfactory" describes something that meets a requirement, while "satisfying" describes something that provides pleasure or contentment. Use "satisfactory" for outcomes and "satisfying" for experiences.

What's the difference between "satisfactory" and "ideal"?

"Satisfactory" means something is acceptable or sufficient, while "ideal" means something is perfect or the best possible. "Satisfactory" implies meeting a need, while "ideal" implies exceeding expectations.