wholly unsatisfactory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly unsatisfactory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely inadequate or not meeting expectations. Example: "The results of the project were wholly unsatisfactory, leading to a reevaluation of our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But the Court's treatment of this factor is wholly unsatisfactory.

Cornell University

The summer mobile registration program represents a needed effort to supplement the wholly unsatisfactory regular machinery.

The New York Times

Stage makeup proved to be wholly unsatisfactory for the motion-picture medium.

Britannica

"It's wholly unsatisfactory that the IPCC is denied answers … about the Metropolitan Police's use of this power".

Independent

His report began: "The trek across eastern Europe to find David Cameron's Nazi-loving friends came to a wholly unsatisfactory conclusion yesterday.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his first interview as chief inspector, he said too many hospitals had normalised "wholly unsatisfactory" arrangements which endangered patients, as well as denying basic privacy and dignity.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

IT WAS an entirely unsatisfactory, yet wholly fitting end to what had come before.

The Economist

This is totally unsatisfactory.

The Guardian

Anything else is totally unsatisfactory.

BBC

It's all deeply unsatisfactory.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, but they all are unsatisfactory.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly unsatisfactory" to express a strong sense of disapproval or inadequacy, particularly when something completely fails to meet expectations. It's more emphatic than simply saying 'unsatisfactory'.

Common error

Avoid using "wholly unsatisfactory" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone might seem out of place; consider more relaxed alternatives like 'totally not good enough'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly unsatisfactory" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the degree to which something is considered unsatisfactory, emphasizing a complete lack of fulfillment or adequacy. Ludwig's examples indicate its use in various contexts to express strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wholly unsatisfactory" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or inadequacy. As pointed out by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, academia, and science-related contexts. It is best used when you want to emphasize that something completely fails to meet expectations. While versatile, it's important to use it in appropriate contexts and avoid overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "completely unacceptable" or "utterly disappointing" when a less formal tone is preferred. Ensure proper usage by avoiding it in informal conversations, and focus on applying it when there's a significant deviation from expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely unacceptable

Emphasizes the unacceptability of something, focusing on its failure to meet minimum standards.

entirely inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something, focusing on its lack of required qualities.

utterly disappointing

Focuses on the disappointment caused by something that fails to meet expectations.

thoroughly deficient

Stresses the degree to which something is lacking or incomplete.

totally unacceptable

Similar to "completely unacceptable", it amplifies the degree of unacceptability.

absolutely inadequate

Emphasizes the complete inadequacy of something.

patently insufficient

Highlights that the insufficiency is obvious and easily recognizable.

unreservedly disappointing

Stresses that the disappointment is without reservation or doubt.

plainly unsatisfactory

Highlights that the unsatisfactory nature is obvious and easily seen.

manifestly deficient

Indicates that the deficiency is clear and evident.

FAQs

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

You can use "wholly unsatisfactory" to describe situations, results, or performances that completely fail to meet expectations or standards. For example: "The customer service was "wholly unsatisfactory"." or "The outcome of the experiment was "wholly unsatisfactory"".

What are some alternatives to saying "wholly unsatisfactory"?

Alternatives to "wholly unsatisfactory" include "completely unacceptable", "entirely inadequate", or "utterly disappointing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "completely unsatisfactory" or "wholly unsatisfactory"?

"Wholly unsatisfactory" and "completely unsatisfactory" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Wholly" may lend a slightly more formal or emphatic tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "wholly unsatisfactory"?

The phrase "wholly unsatisfactory" is appropriate in formal contexts, professional settings, or when expressing a strong and complete sense of dissatisfaction. It is suitable for describing situations, performances, or results that are entirely inadequate or unacceptable.