unsatisfactory

[uhn-sat-is-fak-tuh-ree]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: insufficient, disappointing

unsatisfactory

/ -trɪ, ˌʌnsætɪsˈfæktərɪ /

adjective

1. not adequate or suitable; unacceptable

Other Word Forms

• unsatisfactorily adverb
• unsatisfactoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsatisfactory¹

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

Example Sentences

In May, the Care Inspectorate issued it with an improvement notice after grading it as "unsatisfactory" in three key areas.

From BBC

Then on Friday, a report found that NHS trusts rated over half their maternity and neonatal buildings as being unsatisfactory, with 7% saying they ran a serious risk of imminent breakdown.

From BBC

All the previous theories have elements of truth, but there is something unsatisfactory about them.

From Salon

But instead of putting the matter to rest, the statements sparked further outrage, with some opposition politicians accusing Kumar of either avoiding answering specific questions or providing unsatisfactory explanations.

From BBC

An unsatisfactory ending that could lead to further disputes.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficient 
• disappointing 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• mediocre 
• regrettable 
• unacceptable 
• unsuitable