totally satisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally satisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something meets all expectations or requirements completely. Example: "The results of the project were totally satisfactory, exceeding our initial goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But even Scofield's wasn't totally satisfactory.

The Guardian

Neither of these approaches is totally satisfactory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Neither situation is totally satisfactory," she says regretfully.

The Guardian - Books

In general, the solution is rarely totally satisfactory.

Analytica Chimica Acta

Her response "wasn't totally satisfactory," St. Aubyn said, several weeks ago.

The New Yorker

However, a totally satisfactory and efficient method is not available as yet.

Applied Soft Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

However, the necrosis threshold is not completely satisfactory because it cannot suppress necrosis totally without additionally cutting off apparent low-proliferating tumor tissue (Fig. 5).

Cancer Imaging

None are wholly satisfactory.

The New York Times

Such experience was completely satisfactory.

Bplans

Totally 25 898 satisfactory responses were returned.

BMJ Open

All very satisfactory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally satisfactory" when you want to emphasize that something completely meets all requirements or expectations. It conveys a sense of thorough fulfillment and leaves no room for complaint.

Common error

Avoid using "totally satisfactory" in contexts where a milder expression like "satisfactory" or "acceptable" would suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing and make it sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally satisfactory" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality. As seen in Ludwig AI examples, it describes results, answers or situations. The phrase indicates a high degree of fulfillment or acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "totally satisfactory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that conveys a high degree of fulfillment or acceptance. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for describing results, answers, or situations that completely meet expectations. While versatile, it leans towards neutral to formal registers, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives like "completely acceptable" or "fully meets expectations" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overusing the phrase can weaken writing, so it’s best reserved for situations where emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Altogether satisfactory

Similar in meaning but may sound slightly more formal.

Completely acceptable

Emphasizes acceptance without necessarily implying exceptional fulfillment.

Meets all requirements

Focuses on compliance with specific criteria.

Entirely fulfilling

Focuses on the degree to which expectations or needs are met.

Fully meets expectations

Explicitly states that expectations have been met completely.

Unreservedly acceptable

Indicates acceptance without any hesitation or doubt.

Perfectly adequate

Suggests that something meets the minimum requirements but may not be exceptional.

Leaves nothing to be desired

Emphasizes that there is no room for improvement.

Completely up to par

Suggests that something meets a certain standard or level of quality.

Wholly sufficient

Highlights that something is enough to meet the needs.

FAQs

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

You can use "totally satisfactory" to describe a result, performance, or outcome that completely meets expectations. For example, "The outcome of the experiment was "totally satisfactory", confirming our hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "totally satisfactory"?

Some alternatives include "completely acceptable", "entirely fulfilling", or "fully meets expectations". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "totally satisfactory" formal or informal?

"Totally satisfactory" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be more common in neutral to formal settings. In very informal situations, you might opt for something like "completely fine".

When is it appropriate to use "totally satisfactory" versus simply "satisfactory"?

Use "totally satisfactory" when you want to emphasize the completeness of the satisfaction. If something just meets the minimum requirements, "satisfactory" is sufficient. If it exceeds expectations or leaves no room for complaint, ""totally satisfactory"" is more appropriate.