unsatisfactory
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unsatisfactory
First recorded in 1630–40; un- 1 + satisfactory
Explanation
Baking a cake without following the recipe is likely to lead to an unsatisfactory outcome; the cake will likely be disappointing because it doesn't meet your expectations. The word unsatisfactory is used to describe something that fails to meet the desired standards. Whether it's a school project, a meal at a restaurant, or a customer service experience, if it doesn’t live up to what you hoped for, it's considered unsatisfactory. This term often conveys disappointment and the need for improvement. For example, if a test score is unsatisfactory, it means the grade is below what is acceptable or needed.
Vocabulary lists containing unsatisfactory
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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.
In July, Burger King said it would guarantee Whopper quality, promising to remake unsatisfactory orders and provide a future Whopper for free.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Alberto Carvalho, the school board accused its heralded leader of unprofessional conduct, unsatisfactory performance and “violation of or refusal to obey” state laws or school district regulations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
But the 2023 review found "no evidence" that the board had discussed the letter, with the new chief executive concluding that the response was "unsatisfactory".
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
The company then introduced an access fee -- a remedy the EU rejected in April as unsatisfactory.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
He was tired of books, and found people so interesting now that Mr. Brooke was obliged to make very unsatisfactory reports, for Laurie was always playing truant and running over to the Marches’.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
