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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
were not satisfied
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were not satisfied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a lack of contentment or fulfillment regarding a situation, outcome, or service. Example: "The customers were not satisfied with the quality of the product they received."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
was not satisfied
were not ascertained
were not fulfilled
were not shipped
were not appreciated
failed to meet
was not complied with
was not complied
was not fulfilled
was not measured
was not achieved
was not met
was not corresponded
was not overcome
was not removed
was not attained
was not compensated
was not offset
fell short of
did not reach
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
59 human-written examples
Lawmakers were not satisfied.
News & Media
The protesters were not satisfied.
News & Media
Inevitably, many were not satisfied.
News & Media
Government officials were not satisfied.
News & Media
The refugees were not satisfied.
News & Media
But readers were not satisfied.
News & Media
But the agents were not satisfied.
News & Media
Still, Facebook's critics were not satisfied.
News & Media
Some of the reporters were not satisfied.
News & Media
But the venture capitalists were not satisfied.
News & Media
The public interest grounds were not satisfied.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "were not satisfied", ensure that the reason for the dissatisfaction is clear to the reader, either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.
Common error
Avoid using "were not satisfied" without specifying what caused the dissatisfaction. This can leave the reader confused and the statement lacking impact.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were not satisfied" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating a state of dissatisfaction or lack of fulfillment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, describing the reactions of individuals or groups to unmet expectations.
Frequent in
News & Media
54%
Science
27%
Wiki
8%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "were not satisfied" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express dissatisfaction or a lack of fulfillment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and general contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly indicate the reason for the dissatisfaction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "were dissatisfied" or "were unhappy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By providing clear context and choosing the most appropriate synonym, you can effectively communicate your message.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
were dissatisfied
Direct synonym, maintains the same level of formality and intensity.
were displeased
Slightly more formal and emphasizes a sense of annoyance or disapproval.
were unhappy
General term for lack of satisfaction, less specific.
were not content
Implies a lack of ease or tranquility due to unmet needs.
were not thrilled
Understatement implying a lack of excitement or pleasure.
were disappointed
Focuses on the feeling of letdown after expectations were not met.
expressed their discontent
Highlights the act of voicing dissatisfaction.
voiced their complaints
More direct and implies specific grievances.
found it unacceptable
Indicates a stronger level of disapproval, suggesting a violation of standards.
didn't appreciate it
Focuses on a lack of gratitude or positive reception.
FAQs
What does "were not satisfied" mean?
The phrase "were not satisfied" expresses a state of discontent or a lack of fulfillment regarding a specific situation, outcome, or service.
How can I use "were not satisfied" in a sentence?
You can use "were not satisfied" to describe someone's reaction to something that didn't meet their expectations. For example: "The customers "were not satisfied" with the service."
Which is correct, "were not satisfied" or "was not satisfied"?
"Were not satisfied" is used for plural subjects, while "was not satisfied" is used for singular subjects. For example: "They "were not satisfied"" vs. "He "was not satisfied"".
What are some alternatives to "were not satisfied"?
You can use alternatives like "were dissatisfied", "were displeased", or "were unhappy" depending on the context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested