satisfactory result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'satisfactory result' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a positive outcome that is adequate but not outstanding. For example, "After all the hard work we put in, we got a satisfactory result".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very satisfactory result, I thought.

The Guardian - Books

The Baker Commission promises no more satisfactory result.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, a tweaked bill has produced a far from satisfactory result.

The Guardian

Though red-wine vinegar will yield a satisfactory result, she adds one-third cup of white.

The New York Times - Food

Bearings were now taken, but a slight haze prevented any satisfactory result being arrived at.

The Guardian - Books

Therefore, a combination of several latency reactivating agents is required to obtain a satisfactory result.

Nature

If a conversation with your contractor doesn't yield a satisfactory result, find a mediation service.

The New York Times

For a satisfactory result, background contours are a necessary guide to the artist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, Lego's group chief executive, said: "It is a highly satisfactory result reflecting a solid growth in profit.

The Guardian - Business

"The most satisfactory result" was that he had saved many British soldiers' lives.

Independent

A satisfactory result was achieved with a high resolution (1 m) DEM.

Geomorphology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "satisfactory result" when you want to convey that an outcome is good enough or meets the basic requirements, without necessarily being exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "satisfactory result" when the outcome is truly exceptional or outstanding. Opt for phrases like "excellent outcome" or "remarkable achievement" to better reflect the level of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory result" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'satisfactory' modifies 'result'. It indicates a level of outcome that is acceptable or sufficient, as confirmed by Ludwig. Examples in Ludwig show this phrase describing experimental results, surgical outcomes, and general achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "satisfactory result" describes an outcome that is acceptable or meets expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase sees frequent use in science and news media to convey that an action or process has yielded an acceptable, though not necessarily outstanding, conclusion. While "satisfactory result" is suitable for many contexts, it's important to choose alternative phrases like "successful outcome" when describing exceptional achievements. By understanding these nuances, you can use the phrase "satisfactory result" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable outcome

Focuses on the acceptability of the outcome, implying it meets a minimum threshold of approval.

adequate consequence

Highlights that the result is sufficient or acceptable for a particular purpose.

sufficient solution

Emphasizes that the outcome resolves a problem or meets a specific need adequately.

decent conclusion

Suggests a reasonable or respectable ending, implying a level of quality.

reasonable resolution

Indicates that the result is fair and logical, providing a balanced solution.

passable achievement

Implies the outcome barely meets the minimum requirements or standards.

tolerable finish

Suggests the result is endurable or acceptable, though not necessarily ideal.

serviceable end

Highlights the usefulness of the outcome, indicating it serves its purpose adequately.

respectable performance

Focuses on the merit and dignity of the act, indicating a commendable but not necessarily outstanding result.

modestly successful venture

Suggests a limited level of success, indicating the outcome achieved some positive results but not complete success.

FAQs

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

You can use "satisfactory result" to describe an outcome that meets the basic requirements or expectations. For example, "The experiment yielded a "satisfactory result", confirming our hypothesis".

What phrases are similar to "satisfactory result"?

Similar phrases include "acceptable outcome", "adequate consequence", or "sufficient solution", all suggesting an outcome that meets a minimum standard.

Is "satisfactory result" formal or informal?

"Satisfactory result" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider using a more precise or sophisticated term.

What's the difference between "satisfactory result" and "successful outcome"?

"Satisfactory result" implies the outcome is adequate or acceptable, while "successful outcome" suggests a higher level of achievement. Use "successful outcome" when the result exceeds expectations.