unsatisfactory grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsatisfactory grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications that are deemed inadequate or insufficient for a particular conclusion or action. Example: "The committee found that the applicant's reasons for appeal were based on unsatisfactory grounds and therefore denied the request."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

FPs as consultants, however, will not detect if there are unsatisfactory grounds for relying on DNs.

BMC Family Practice

Several FPs talked about, e.g., nurses who were short-term substitutes and lacked a DN's formal training as one reason for unsatisfactory grounds for relying on the DNs.

BMC Family Practice

FPs as consultants, however, are not aware of problematic conditions for medical treatment as they do not get information and are not alerted to problems when there are unsatisfactory grounds for relying on the DNs in the medical treatment.

BMC Family Practice

Likewise the conditions for providing medical treatment are problematic when there are unsatisfactory grounds for relying on the DN in medical treatment irrespective of the role of the FP.

BMC Family Practice

If FPs rely on the initiative of the DNs, unaware of the unsatisfactory grounds for relying on the DN, the home care patients will be left without proper support for their medical treatment.

BMC Family Practice

However, if FPs choose to be consultants in situations when there are unsatisfactory grounds for relying on the DNs in the medical treatment the consultant will not be able to identify the situation as problematic as the DNs will not provide the FP with information, or involve the FP in the care and treatment.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, most of the proposals are unsatisfactory on theoretical grounds as they provide little or no explanation for the modification of gravity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mrs. Clinton said while four State Department officials were removed from their posts and placed on administrative leave, they were not otherwise disciplined because under "federal statute and regulations, unsatisfactory leadership is not grounds for finding a breach of duty".

The New York Times

The Bakerloo was eventually financed and finished by American tycoon Charles Yerkes, but the part-finished works at Oxford Circus were so unsatisfactory that the below-ground parts had to be completely rebuilt, giving the station the doubtful privilege of having been the only Underground station to be rebuilt before it actually opened.

Independent

However, most practical design codes still remain unsatisfactory in terms of ground motion variations for large space structures.

Engineering Structures

Inspectors judged the authority's performance to be unsatisfactory on a number of grounds: Standards for children and young people were below what could be expected at all key stages.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsatisfactory grounds", ensure that you clearly articulate why the reasons are inadequate. Provide specific details or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "unsatisfactory grounds" without providing context or clarification. Simply stating that something is based on "unsatisfactory grounds" lacks impact and does not offer insight into the specific deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsatisfactory grounds" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it describes reasons or justifications that are deemed inadequate or insufficient. It is used to express a negative evaluation of the basis upon which a claim, decision, or action rests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsatisfactory grounds" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase meaning inadequate or insufficient reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details to support your claim of inadequacy. Related alternatives include "insufficient grounds" and "inadequate reasons". Although the phrase is most commonly found in formal writing, it can also be used in less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient grounds

Emphasizes the lack of enough support or justification.

inadequate reasons

Focuses on the deficiency in the logic or rationale provided.

unacceptable justification

Highlights that the reason is not considered permissible or tolerable.

unconvincing arguments

Indicates a failure to persuade or demonstrate a point effectively.

weak basis

Suggests a fragile or unstable foundation for a claim or decision.

poor rationale

Implies a deficient or flawed reasoning process.

flawed reasoning

Highlights errors or defects in the thought process.

specious arguments

Points to arguments that seem correct but are actually deceptive.

tenuous grounds

Implies that the reasons are weak and unlikely to hold up under scrutiny.

dubious justification

Suggests a reason that is questionable or suspicious.

FAQs

What does "unsatisfactory grounds" mean?

The phrase "unsatisfactory grounds" refers to reasons or justifications that are considered inadequate, insufficient, or unacceptable.

What can I say instead of "unsatisfactory grounds"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient grounds", "inadequate reasons", or "unacceptable justification" depending on the context.

How to use "unsatisfactory grounds" in a sentence?

Example: "The committee rejected the proposal because it was based on "unsatisfactory grounds"."

Is "unsatisfactory grounds" formal or informal?

The phrase "unsatisfactory grounds" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in formal writing.