unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsatisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not meet expectations or standards. Example: "The results of the project were deemed unsatisfactory by the committee, prompting a review of the methods used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the party of which I'm a member makes an announcement which has the potential to breach the law and those obligations then I will argue against it … It would be very unsatisfactory".

The Guardian

The inspectors also said Britain's own checks at abattoirs were unsatisfactory and there was a risk that UK government inspectors were being pressurised by their managers and owners to give higher hygiene scores than were warranted.

The Guardian

Secondly, the broadcasters and regulator have come to an unsatisfactory conclusion because they refuse to recognise the multinational nature of the British state.

The Guardian - Opinion

And just as with the credit-raters, the result is often so unsatisfactory as to be useless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Passengers on services run by the Southeastern train company were least happy with what they were paying for tickets, with 49% saying they represented poor or unsatisfactory value for money.

The Guardian - Money

We call them all migrants, but the word is unsatisfactory shorthand.

The Guardian

There is no denying that the end of what had, unexpectedly, been an absorbing final day's play, was unsatisfactory, but those who booed the umpires for taking the players off for bad light were wide of the mark.

The Guardian - Sport

The coroner found "completely inadequate and unsatisfactory" care by police led to his death, and Morton-Thomas asted aspokeswomanan for a family angry there would be no consequences.

The Guardian - Arts

In fact, the only way the channel's offering became bearable at all is if you imagined that the whole thing was the result of a low-budget 1980s body-swap comedy where Paxman and David Mitchell urinated in a fountain at the same time and turned into each other with largely unsatisfactory results.

The Guardian

The British found the encounter "somewhat unsatisfactory", as the ambassador, Viktor Popov, appeared unmoved.

The Guardian

"Pulling money out of one area of higher education to fund another is most unsatisfactory and scientists around the country will be very unhappy if that's the case," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or outcome as "unsatisfactory", clearly specify what aspects are failing to meet expectations to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unsatisfactory" as a vague, all-encompassing term. Instead, identify precisely which elements are deficient to offer constructive feedback or inform further action.

Linguistic Context

The word "unsatisfactory" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that fails to meet expectations, standards, or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

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, "unsatisfactory" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that does not meet expectations or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While "unsatisfactory" is a common term, it is important to provide specific context to clarify what aspects are failing to meet expectations. Alternatives such as "inadequate", "substandard", and "disappointing" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate

Focuses on the deficiency in meeting a specific need or requirement.

substandard

Highlights a failure to meet a particular quality level or industry standard.

deficient

Emphasizes a lack of something essential or necessary.

unacceptable

Indicates that something is not tolerable or permissible.

lacking

Points out the absence of something needed or desired.

disappointing

Highlights the failure to fulfill expectations, often causing sadness or regret.

poor

A general term for something not of good quality or standard.

flawed

Suggests the presence of imperfections or errors that detract from overall quality.

imperfect

Indicates that something is not flawless or complete.

unsuitable

Emphasizes that something is not appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "unsatisfactory" in a sentence?

You can use "unsatisfactory" to describe something that doesn't meet expectations or standards. For example: "The project's results were "unsatisfactory", requiring a revised approach."

What can I say instead of "unsatisfactory"?

Alternatives include "inadequate", "substandard", or "disappointing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "unsatisfactory result" or "unsatisfying result"?

"Unsatisfactory result" focuses on the failure to meet requirements, while "unsatisfying result" focuses on the failure to provide contentment. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing objective criteria or subjective feelings. For example, a meal can be "unsatisfying" but not necessarily "unsatisfactory" if it fulfills basic nutritional needs.

What's the difference between "unsatisfactory" and "unacceptable"?

"Unsatisfactory" means something doesn't meet expectations or standards, while "unacceptable" means something is not tolerable or permissible. A performance might be "unsatisfactory" but still "acceptable", whereas an unethical action is likely to be "unacceptable".