satisfactory
Satisfactory (adj) means Good enough to meet a need or requirement; acceptable. Example: “His explanation was satisfactory, so no further questions were asked.”
How to use satisfactory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood enough — meets the requirement, though not necessarily impressive.
On school reports and formal assessments, "satisfactory" often signals a middling grade rather than genuine praise.
Word forms
more satisfactory comparative, satisfactories plural, most satisfactory superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His explanation was _____, so no further questions were asked.
Etymology
From Late Latin satisfactorius, ultimately from satis ("enough") and facere ("to make").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for satisfactory
See all rhymes for satisfactory →Frequently asked questions
What does “satisfactory” mean?
The word “satisfactory” means good enough to meet a need or requirement; acceptable. In plain terms, good enough — meets the requirement, though not necessarily impressive.
How do you pronounce “satisfactory”?
“Satisfactory” is pronounced sa-tihs-FAKT-ree (/sætɪsˈfækt(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “satisfactory” in a sentence?
Here is “satisfactory” used in a sentence: “His explanation was satisfactory, so no further questions were asked.”
What is another word for “satisfactory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “satisfactory” include acceptable, adequate, all right, close enough, average and close enough for government work.
What is the opposite of “satisfactory”?
The opposite of “satisfactory” — its antonyms — are awesome, excellent, wonderful, good and mediocre.
What part of speech is “satisfactory”?
“Satisfactory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “satisfactory” come from?
The word “satisfactory” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin satisfactorius, ultimately from satis ("enough") and facere ("to make").
Is “satisfactory” a common word?
“Satisfactory” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between satisfactory and excellent?
"Satisfactory" means good enough to meet a need or requirement, essentially the minimum acceptable standard, while "excellent" means far exceeding expectations. In grading systems, "satisfactory" is typically a passing but middling mark, well below "excellent."
Is satisfactory the same as satisfying?
No, these words are often confused but mean different things. "Satisfactory" simply means acceptable or good enough to meet a requirement, while "satisfying" describes something that gives a strong feeling of pleasure or fulfillment; a meal can be satisfying without merely being satisfactory.
Is satisfactory considered a passing grade or evaluation?
Yes, "satisfactory" generally indicates a passing result, meaning the work or performance meets the minimum requirement, even though it isn't outstanding. It's commonly used in report cards, performance reviews, and inspections to signal an acceptable but unremarkable outcome.
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