satisfactory

adjective

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
: giving satisfaction : adequate
a satisfactory performance
satisfactorily adverb
satisfactoriness noun

Examples of satisfactory in a Sentence

The job requires a satisfactory level of performance. Results are less satisfactory than had been anticipated. He gave a satisfactory account of how the accident had happened. The movie was brought to a satisfactory close. His work has been satisfactory, but not outstanding.
Recent Examples on the Web The expert committee offered some explanations such as a systematic difference between those who did and did not participate in the polls, but ultimately felt none of them was completely satisfactory. Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The Ridgeline has a 1,583-pound payload, a satisfactory limit but not as much as some competitors. James Raia, The Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2024 Remember, the process is not about achieving perfection but about creating a satisfactory plan that can evolve over time. Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 In fact, until a 1978 federal act outlawed mandatory retirement before the age of 70, and a 1986 law abolished it altogether, many employers required people to step down by 65, establishing an expectation that careers should come to a satisfactory end in life’s seventh decade. Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for satisfactory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'satisfactory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of satisfactory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near satisfactory

Cite this Entry

“Satisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfactory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

satisfactory

adjective
sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
: giving satisfaction
satisfactorily adverb
satisfactoriness
-t(ə-)rē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on satisfactory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!