English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B1 Intermediate Common

satisfaction

sa-tihs-FAK-shuhn

Satisfaction (noun) means a feeling of contentment or fulfillment that comes from getting what you need or want. Example: “There's real satisfaction in finishing a job well done.”

noun
1
A feeling of contentment or fulfillment that comes from getting what you need or want.
"There's real satisfaction in finishing a job well done."
"Customer satisfaction is the company's top priority."
2
Compensation or repayment for a wrong or loss.
"He demanded satisfaction for the damage to his car."

How to use satisfaction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe pleased feeling of having your needs met, or (more formally) compensation for a wrong.

Common pairings
job satisfaction customer satisfaction to everyone's satisfaction

Word forms

satisfactions plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “satisfaction” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

There's real _____ in finishing a job well done.

Etymology

From Latin satisfactio, built from satis ("enough") and facere ("to do" or "to make") — literally "the making of enough."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for satisfaction

See all rhymes for satisfaction →

Frequently asked questions

What does “satisfaction” mean?

The word “satisfaction” means a feeling of contentment or fulfillment that comes from getting what you need or want. In plain terms, the pleased feeling of having your needs met, or (more formally) compensation for a wrong.

How do you pronounce “satisfaction”?

“Satisfaction” is pronounced sa-tihs-FAK-shuhn (/sætɪsˈfækʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “satisfaction” in a sentence?

Here is “satisfaction” used in a sentence: “There's real satisfaction in finishing a job well done.”

What part of speech is “satisfaction”?

“Satisfaction” is a noun.

Where does the word “satisfaction” come from?

The word “satisfaction” comes from Latin. From Latin satisfactio, built from satis ("enough") and facere ("to do" or "to make") — literally "the making of enough.".

Is “satisfaction” a common word?

“Satisfaction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “satisfaction” have?

“Satisfaction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of contentment or fulfillment that comes from getting what you need or want.

What is the difference between "satisfaction" and "contentment"?

"Satisfaction" is the sense of fulfillment that comes specifically from getting what you need or want, often after effort. "Contentment" is a broader, calmer state of being happy with things as they are, without a particular want being met.

Which preposition goes with "satisfaction"?

"Satisfaction" commonly pairs with "with" to name what pleases you, as in satisfaction with the results. It also appears in phrases like "to my satisfaction" and gaining satisfaction from a task.

What is the difference between "satisfaction" and "gratification"?

Both describe pleasure from getting what you want, but "gratification" stresses the immediate pleasure of a desire being met. "Satisfaction" often suggests a deeper, more lasting contentment, especially after achieving something.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial