satisfice

[ sat-is-fahys ]

verb (used without object)

, sat·is·ficed, sat·is·fic·ing.

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈsatisˌficer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfice¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfice¹

C16: altered from satisfy

Example Sentences

Except thow wilt saye that to satisfice is nothing els / but when one doth make himself approued vnto an other man.

From Project Gutenberg