Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unsatisfactory with
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "unsatisfactory with" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a feeling of discontent or disappointment with something or someone. For example, "The manager was unsatisfactory with the employee's performance."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
Some of the helping disciplines have gone to "client," impersonal and unsatisfactory with connotations both of commerce and dependency.
News & Media
By then, the Japanese agency rated the project as "unsatisfactory," with "no significant improvements in the water quality of the bay".
News & Media
Regular cars were uncomfortable and dirty, and sleeping cars, which were then just beginning to appear, were unsatisfactory, with cramped beds and inadequate ventilation.
Encyclopedias
The latest health report card for women, issued on Thursday by the National Women's Law Center and Oregon Health and Science University, paints a dismal picture, giving the United States an overall general grade of Unsatisfactory, with many F's on specific goals set by the government's Healthy People 2010 initiative.
News & Media
The simple mean free path description of gas transport coefficients accounts for the major observed phenomena, but it is quantitatively unsatisfactory with respect to two major points: the values of numerical constants such as a, a′, a″, and a12 and the description of the molecular collisions that define a mean free path.
Encyclopedias
Management of bleeding ulcers is usually unsatisfactory with conventional treatments.
Science
This result makes BICM-ID with turbo-like coding solutions (TBICM-ID) unsatisfactory with respect to the added decoding complexity.
On the other hand, they are essentially unsatisfactory with regard to a sound formal basis and concrete empirical scenarios.
Science
As well as its recommendations it said Fifa's past investigation of corruption allegations had been "unsatisfactory", with the sanctions imposed both "insufficient and clearly unconvincing".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
These differences underscore the fact that multiple factors are associated with overall unsatisfactory rates with the platform used representing only one of these.
Science
In between writing assignments and unsatisfactory affairs with writers, she hung out with her girlfriends: women also negotiating the end of their 20s..
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "unsatisfactory with", ensure that the subject you're describing genuinely fails to meet a specific standard or requirement. Avoid using it for minor personal preferences.
Common error
Avoid using "unsatisfactory with" when expressing a purely subjective opinion. Instead of saying 'The color is unsatisfactory with the room', use phrases like 'The color doesn't suit the room' or 'I don't like the color in this room'.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "unsatisfactory with" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of not meeting expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.
Frequent in
Science
53%
News & Media
30%
Encyclopedias
6%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Wiki
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "unsatisfactory with" is grammatically sound and serves to express that something falls short of expectations or standards. While not extremely common, it's versatile across different contexts, especially in science and news reporting. As Ludwig AI notes, its correct usage involves ensuring a genuine failure to meet a standard, rather than expressing mere subjective preferences. Alternatives include "dissatisfied with" and "inadequate for". The phrase’s occurrence in academic and scientific publications suggests a formality suitable for professional communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
dissatisfied with
A more formal way to express a lack of satisfaction.
lacking in
Similar to 'deficient in', this indicates an absence of something necessary or desired.
below expectations
A direct way to say that something is worse than expected.
deficient in
This alternative focuses on a lack of essential qualities or components.
falling short of expectations
Highlights the failure to meet anticipated outcomes or standards.
not up to par with
This idiom indicates that something doesn't meet the required standard.
inadequate for
Indicates that something isn't sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose.
displeased with
This phrase highlights a feeling of dissatisfaction or disapproval.
poor in
Highlights that something contains an insufficient amount of something.
unhappy with
Emphasizes the emotional response of discontent.
FAQs
How can I use "unsatisfactory with" in a sentence?
You can use "unsatisfactory with" to describe something that does not meet expectations or requirements. For example, "The test results were unsatisfactory with the current standards".
What are some alternatives to "unsatisfactory with"?
Alternatives include "dissatisfied with", "displeased with", or "inadequate for", depending on the specific context.
Is it grammatically correct to say "unsatisfactory with"?
Yes, "unsatisfactory with" is grammatically correct and used to express that something does not meet a certain standard or expectation.
What's the difference between "unsatisfactory with" and "unsatisfactory to"?
"Unsatisfactory with" implies a lack of fulfillment regarding a specific aspect or requirement. "Unsatisfactory to" suggests something fails to meet the needs or expectations of a particular person or entity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested