unsatisfactory outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsatisfactory outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or conclusion that does not meet expectations or standards. Example: "After reviewing the project results, we concluded that the unsatisfactory outcome necessitated a reevaluation of our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's an unsatisfactory outcome on many levels, but the CPS statement has created a headache for Cameron.

The Guardian

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive brain tumor with an unsatisfactory outcome.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Haematology

If treatment is optimally delivered and an unsatisfactory outcome occurs, treatment resistance is said to be present.

Biological Psychiatry

Such unsatisfactory outcome often results from variable resorption of bone grafts or infection, requiring removal of implant.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

In clinical practice, the use of combination treatment reflects the often unsatisfactory outcome of treatment with single agents.

Psiquiatría Biológica

We will not accept delay and we will demand our governments withdraw from an unsatisfactory outcome", said Mithika Mwenda, secretary general of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.

The Guardian

Elevating the profile of Mr. Daqduq and highlighting any unsatisfactory outcome to his case could bolster such efforts to cast Mr. Obama's Iraq record in a negative light.

The New York Times

Sir Fred Goodwin, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, has criticised the Office of Fair Trading for taking the issue of allegedly unfair bank charges to the high court and described it as an "unsatisfactory" outcome for the industry.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Less intensive programs, such as the once-off widespread topical treatment of index cases and the unsupervised treatment of their immediate household contacts have yielded unsatisfactory outcomes, probably because of poor compliance [12], [15].

Plosone

There are various surgical methods, all with unsatisfactory outcomes.

The Spine Journal

In fact, such unsatisfactory outcomes shouldn't surprise managers like Annette and Paolo.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing projects or situations, use "unsatisfactory outcome" to clearly and professionally communicate that the results did not meet the required standards. Be specific about why the outcome was unsatisfactory to facilitate constructive feedback.

Common error

While "unsatisfactory outcome" is appropriate in formal reports and professional communications, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "didn't work out" or "wasn't great" may be more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsatisfactory outcome" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a result or consequence that is considered undesirable or below expectations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsatisfactory outcome" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a result that fails to meet expectations. Grammatically correct and versatile, it appears across various contexts but is especially prevalent in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. While there are numerous semantically similar alternatives, such as "poor result" or "disappointing result", the choice depends on the specific nuances of the intended message. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for simpler language in informal settings while maintaining precision in formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor result

Replaces "outcome" with a more general term, focusing on the negative quality of the result.

unfavorable consequence

Substitutes "unsatisfactory" with "unfavorable" and "outcome" with "consequence", suggesting a negative result.

negative result

Uses a more direct adjective to describe the outcome.

failed result

Indicates that the expected result was not achieved.

disappointing result

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment associated with the outcome.

subpar result

Indicates the result is below the expected standard.

undesirable effect

Focuses on the unwanted nature of the effect.

poorly executed outcome

Highlights the poor quality of execution leading to the result.

adverse development

Emphasizes the negative progression or unfolding of events.

unsuccessful culmination

Replaces "outcome" with a more formal term, indicating a lack of success.

FAQs

How can I use "unsatisfactory outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "unsatisfactory outcome" to describe a result that does not meet expectations or requirements. For example: "The project's "unsatisfactory outcome" led to a review of the project management process."

What are some alternatives to "unsatisfactory outcome"?

Some alternatives to "unsatisfactory outcome" include "poor result", "negative result", or "disappointing result". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unsatisfactory outcome" formal or informal?

"Unsatisfactory outcome" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, or official communications. Simpler language is better suited for informal communication.

What makes an outcome "unsatisfactory"?

An outcome is considered "unsatisfactory" when it fails to meet the defined objectives, standards, or expectations. This can be due to various reasons, such as poor planning, execution errors, or unforeseen circumstances.