unsatisfactory
uhn-sa-tihs-FAKT-ree
Unsatisfactory (adj) means not good enough to meet expectations or requirements. Example: “The report was returned as unsatisfactory and needed a rewrite.”
adj
1
Not good enough to meet expectations or requirements.
"The report was returned as unsatisfactory and needed a rewrite."
"His attendance record was marked unsatisfactory."
How to use unsatisfactory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelow an acceptable standard.
Common pairings
deemed unsatisfactory
unsatisfactory performance
wholly unsatisfactory
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unsatisfactory
- Superlative
- most unsatisfactory
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report was returned as _____ and needed a rewrite.
Etymology
From un- ("not") plus satisfactory.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unsatisfactory
See all rhymes for unsatisfactory →Frequently asked questions
What does “unsatisfactory” mean?
The word “unsatisfactory” means not good enough to meet expectations or requirements. In plain terms, below an acceptable standard.
How do you pronounce “unsatisfactory”?
“Unsatisfactory” is pronounced uhn-sa-tihs-FAKT-ree (/ˌʌnsætɪsˈfækt(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “unsatisfactory” in a sentence?
Here is “unsatisfactory” used in a sentence: “The report was returned as unsatisfactory and needed a rewrite.”
What part of speech is “unsatisfactory”?
“Unsatisfactory” is an adjective.
Is “unsatisfactory” a common word?
“Unsatisfactory” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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