satisfactory solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "satisfactory solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when explaining that the proposed solution to an issue is satisfactory or acceptable. For example, "The manager proposed a satisfactory solution to the problem, and the staff agreed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is no satisfactory solution to it.

The Economist

That cannot be a satisfactory solution to the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Years of experiments have failed to yield a satisfactory solution.

The New Yorker

She said she was sure she would work out some satisfactory solution.

The New Yorker

There has to be a genuine need and no other satisfactory solution.

The Guardian

Although the problems that the newspaper industry faces are well known, no one has offered a satisfactory solution.

The New York Times

They do not, however, provide a lasting and satisfactory solution to the problem because they are illegal.

The New York Times - Tech

Government statisticians are well aware of this problem, but so far they haven't come up with a fully satisfactory solution.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, a perfectly satisfactory solution is available via the hairdresser, the dental surgery or the health shop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But some expressed skepticism that any satisfactory solution could be reached.

The New York Times

It is neither so simple as to be trivial or too difficult for satisfactory solution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "satisfactory solution", ensure the context clearly defines what criteria constitute 'satisfactory'. For instance, specify whose satisfaction is being referred to, or what standards are being met.

Common error

Avoid using "satisfactory solution" when a truly optimal or innovative resolution has been achieved. Reserve the phrase for solutions that adequately address the problem without necessarily being exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "satisfactory solution" functions as a noun phrase, where "satisfactory" modifies the noun "solution". Ludwig shows it describes an outcome that meets a required level of acceptance or adequacy. It combines an adjective describing the quality of the solution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "satisfactory solution" is a common and versatile expression used to describe an outcome that adequately resolves a problem or meets required criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. While not implying an optimal outcome, it conveys that a solution is acceptable and functional. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'satisfactory', specifying whose satisfaction is being referred to, or what standards are being met. Alternatives such as "acceptable resolution" or "adequate answer" may be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. Remember that a "satisfactory solution" is good enough, but not necessarily the best possible result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable resolution

Replaces "satisfactory" with "acceptable" and "solution" with "resolution", indicating a resolution that meets minimum requirements.

adequate answer

Substitutes "satisfactory" with "adequate" and "solution" with "answer", suggesting the answer is just good enough.

sufficient remedy

Replaces "satisfactory" with "sufficient" and "solution" with "remedy", focusing on a remedy that is enough to solve the problem.

appropriate fix

Substitutes "satisfactory" with "appropriate" and "solution" with "fix", indicating a fix that suits the situation.

reasonable compromise

Changes the phrase to suggest an agreement where each party makes concessions, resulting in a reasonable outcome.

workable answer

Replaces "satisfactory" with "workable" and "solution" with "answer", suggesting the answer is functional.

suitable resolution

Replaces "satisfactory" with "suitable" and "solution" with "resolution", indicating a resolution that is fit for purpose.

serviceable answer

Replaces "satisfactory" with "serviceable" and "solution" with "answer", focusing on the usability of the answer.

passable fix

Replaces "satisfactory" with "passable" and "solution" with "fix", suggesting the fix is barely acceptable.

minimally acceptable outcome

Phrases the idea as an outcome that is acceptable at the lowest level.

FAQs

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

You can use "satisfactory solution" to describe a resolution that meets the minimum requirements or adequately addresses a problem. For example: "The proposed compromise was a "satisfactory solution" for both parties involved."

What are some alternatives to saying "satisfactory solution"?

Alternatives include "acceptable resolution", "adequate answer", or "sufficient remedy", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "satisfactory solution"?

It's appropriate when the solution sufficiently addresses the problem or meets the required criteria, even if it's not the best possible outcome. The emphasis is on adequacy rather than optimality.

Is "satisfactory solution" the same as "ideal solution"?

No, a "satisfactory solution" is acceptable and meets basic needs, while an "ideal solution" is the best possible outcome, fully addressing all requirements and often exceeding expectations.