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

He found it very unsatisfactory to be said, “I have a gift” because I work very hard at something.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But to bemoan the barely audible banality of it all – the dull motives, the mumbled attempts to shift blame, the sullen complaints about prison life and unsatisfactory psychiatric evaluations - is to miss the truth.

Read more on BBC

Plus, he says, “Hard times, in economic terms, are triggers. It all stems from an unsatisfactory present.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If, like my wife, you find that frustrating and unsatisfactory, the brand-name medical center offers you a pile of word jerky to chew on while you get your checkbook out.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When he was handed the ball on the second day, his career bowling average stood at an unsatisfactory 37.63.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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