adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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

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 notes

In plain EnglishBelow an acceptable standard.

Common pairings

deemed unsatisfactory unsatisfactory performance wholly unsatisfactory

Word forms

more unsatisfactory comparative, most unsatisfactory superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The report was returned as _____ and needed a rewrite.

Etymology

From un- ("not") plus satisfactory.

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

Cory Tory gory dory Rory ivory glory story Amory Emory theory memory

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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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