satisfactory answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"satisfactory answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking a response from someone which meets your expectations or requirements. For example, "Can you provide a satisfactory answer to this question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A satisfactory answer evades me.

The New York Times

She thought this was a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Neither Bloomberg nor Green could give me a satisfactory answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

But is this really an entirely satisfactory answer?

The New York Times

Nobody has ever given me a satisfactory answer.

The New York Times - Sports

On stage I crumble, unable to give a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian

And still no satisfactory answer to my question.

The New York Times - Health

But I accept that isn't a wholly satisfactory answer".

The Guardian - Sport

Jesse James nodded, as if this were a satisfactory answer.

The New Yorker

So did you find a satisfactory answer to that question?

The New Yorker

No one could give me a satisfactory answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking a "satisfactory answer", clearly define your expectations to avoid ambiguity. This will help ensure the response meets your specific needs.

Common error

Avoid expecting a "satisfactory answer" to be flawless or exhaustive. It simply needs to meet the essential requirements and address the core issue adequately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory answer" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "satisfactory" modifies the noun "answer". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "satisfactory answer" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a response that meets expectations. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "acceptable response" or "sufficient explanation" exist, the key is ensuring the answer adequately addresses the question and meets the specified requirements. Remember that 'satisfactory' does not equate to 'perfect'; it simply needs to be adequate and appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable response

Emphasizes the acceptability of the response rather than its level of satisfaction.

sufficient explanation

Focuses on the adequacy of the explanation provided.

adequate reply

Highlights the sufficiency of the reply in addressing the question.

convincing rationale

Indicates that the reason given is persuasive and believable.

valid justification

Stresses the legitimacy and soundness of the given reason.

credible account

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of the explanation.

plausible explanation

Focuses on the apparent reasonableness and possibility of the explanation.

reasonable response

Emphasizes the logical and sensible nature of the answer.

apt retort

Indicates a clever and fitting reply, often in a debate or argument.

definitive resolution

Focuses on the conclusiveness and finality of the answer or solution.

FAQs

How can I use "satisfactory answer" in a sentence?

You can use "satisfactory answer" to describe a response that meets your expectations or requirements. For example: "The explanation provided was a "satisfactory answer" to my question."

What is another way to say "satisfactory answer"?

Alternatives to "satisfactory answer" include "acceptable response", "sufficient explanation", or "adequate reply".

Is it always possible to get a "satisfactory answer"?

Not always. Some questions are complex or lack definitive solutions, making a completely "satisfactory answer" difficult to achieve.

What makes an answer "satisfactory"?

A "satisfactory answer" typically addresses the core issue, provides sufficient detail, and meets the specific requirements or expectations of the person asking the question. The level of detail needed depends on the context.