definitions

satisfactory

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

giving or affording satisfaction; fulfilling all demands or requirements: a satisfactory solution.
Theology. atoning or expiating.

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RELATED WORDS

satisfying, fair, solid, decent, gratifying, good, valid, adequate, suitable, tolerable, ample, average, cogent, comfortable, competent, cool, enough, groovy, passable, peachy

Nearby words

satirical, satirically, satirist, satirize, satisfaction, satisfactory, satisfice, satisficing behaviour, satisfied, satisfy, satisfying

Origin of satisfactory

1520–30; < Medieval Latin satisfactōrius, equivalent to Latin satisfac(ere) to do enough + -tōrius -tory1
Related formssat·is·fac·to·ri·ly, adverbsat·is·fac·to·ri·ness, nounpre·sat·is·fac·to·ry, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for satisfactory

British Dictionary definitions for satisfactory

satisfactory

/ (ˌsætɪsˈfæktərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

adequate or suitable; acceptablea satisfactory answer
giving satisfaction
constituting or involving atonement, recompense, or expiation for sin
Derived Formssatisfactorily, adverbsatisfactoriness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for satisfactory

satisfactory

adj.

mid-15c., "capable of atoning for sin," from Middle French satisfactoire (14c.) and directly from Late Latin satisfactorius, from Latin satisfactus, past participle of satisfacere (see satisfy). Meaning "adequate" is from 1630s. Related: Satisfactorily; satisfactoriness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper