unsatisfactory

American  

[uhn-sat-is-fak-tuh-ree] / ˌʌn sæt ɪsˈfæk tə ri /

adjective

1. not satisfactory; not satisfying or meeting one's demands; inadequate.

   Synonyms:

   insufficient, disappointing

---

unsatisfactory British  

/ -trɪ, ˌʌnsætɪsˈfæktərɪ /

adjective

1. not adequate or suitable; unacceptable

---

Other Word Forms

• unsatisfactorily adverb
• unsatisfactoriness noun

Etymology

Origin of unsatisfactory

First recorded in 1630–40; un- ¹ + satisfactory

Example Sentences

International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch, which if handed an "unsatisfactory" rating would see the venue slapped with a demerit point.

From Barron's

International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch, pondering whether to give it an "unsatisfactory" rating which would see the venue slapped with a demerit point.

From Barron's

The cost of Medi-Cal coverage for adults with “unsatisfactory immigration status” ballooned to a projected $12.5 billion for the current fiscal year, the state’s Department of Finance says.

From The Wall Street Journal

If they don’t respond on time or if their response is unsatisfactory, they can be penalized.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the Snicko controversy is unsatisfactory for a series of this magnitude, it pales in comparison to the substandard nature of England's performance.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficient
• disappointing
• distressing
• mediocre
• regrettable
• unacceptable
• unsuitable