satisfactory

[sat-is-fak-tuh-ree, -fak-tree]

adjective

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

   a satisfactory solution.

   Synonyms: passable, suitable, adequate, competent

2. Theology.,  atoning or expiating.

satisfactory

/ ˌsætɪsˈfæktərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. adequate or suitable; acceptable

   a satisfactory answer

2. giving satisfaction

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

Other Word Forms

• satisfactoriness noun
• satisfactorily adverb
• presatisfactory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfactory¹

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

Example Sentences

But negotiations over Russell's contract still took some time as he and the team negotiated satisfactory mutual terms.

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The minister's response to follow-up questions on women's rights in Afghanistan may not have been satisfactory.

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Prosecutor Mark Heywood said the guilty pleas were "satisfactory" because the bribery charges reflected the criminal activities.

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The early signs are that Everton's recruitment has been more successful than in recent seasons - a satisfactory end to a window in which Moyes had earlier aired his frustrations at a lack of activity.

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She also said she did not find aspects of the evidence of Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, who has now retired, to be satisfactory.

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Related Words

• adequate 
• decent 
• fair 
• good 
• gratifying 
• satisfying www.thesaurus.com
• solid 
• suitable 
• tolerable 
• valid