satisfactory

American  

[sat-is-fak-tuh-ree, -fak-tree] / ˌsæt ɪsˈfæk tə ri, -ˈfæk tri /

adjective

1. giving or affording satisfaction; fulfilling all demands or requirements.

   a satisfactory solution.

   Synonyms:

   passable, suitable, adequate, competent

2. Theology. atoning or expiating.

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satisfactory British  

/ ˌsætɪsˈfæktərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. adequate or suitable; acceptable

   a satisfactory answer

2. giving satisfaction

3. constituting or involving atonement, recompense, or expiation for sin

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Other Word Forms

• presatisfactory adjective
• satisfactorily adverb
• satisfactoriness noun

Etymology

Origin of satisfactory

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin satisfactōrius, from Latin satisfac(ere) “to do enough” ( satisfaction ( def. ) ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

“My early books that are primarily in Latin used to be completely inaccessible, but you can take a photograph of them, put them into ChatGPT, and out comes a very satisfactory translation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

WMP was placed in special measures by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in November 2023 for four points, including "failure to carry out effective investigations leading to satisfactory results for victims".

From BBC

"I am seeking assurance that processes have been strengthened to ensure any complaint that comes into Lambeth Palace is responded to in a timely and satisfactory manner."

From BBC

The Icelandic broadcaster said that while the new measures address many of its concerns, it "believes that there are still doubts whether the agreed adjustments would be fully satisfactory".

From BBC

"What we are trying to do is to really make sure that the concerns that have been expressed, notably by Belgium and the prime minister, are addressed in a satisfactory manner," she said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• adequate
• decent
• fair
• good
• gratifying
• satisfying
• solid
• suitable
• tolerable
• valid