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satisfice

American  
[sat-is-fahys] / ˈsæt ɪsˌfaɪs /

verb (used without object)

satisficed, satisficing
  1. to choose or adopt the first satisfactory option that one comes across.

    the tendency of decision-makers to satisfice rather than look for the optimal solution.


satisfice British  
/ ˈsætɪsˌfaɪs /

verb

  1. (intr) to act in such a way as to satisfy the minimum requirements for achieving a particular result

  2. obsolete (tr) to satisfy

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of satisfice

First recorded in 1955–60 ( 1560–70 in the obsolete sense “satisfy”); satis(fy) ( def. ) + (suf)fice ( def. ) or (sacri)fice ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

That can entail adopting a satisficing mantra before, during, and after a task.

From Salon Apr. 30, 2021

On the other hand, "satisficing" entails establishing minimum criteria and being cool with anything that fits the bill.

From Salon Apr. 30, 2021

The model of satisficing behavior posits that the typical firm strives for a satisfactory level of performance rather than attempting to maximize its objective.

From Forbes Jul. 22, 2013

For example satisficing behaviour can be represented as minimising the distance from satisfaction.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas

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