satisfactory

1 of 2

adjective

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē 

: giving satisfaction : adequate

a satisfactory performance

satisfactorily

ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

satisfactoriness noun

satisfactoriness

2 of 2

noun

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ri·​ness

-rēnə̇s, 

-rin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being satisfactory

Synonyms of satisfactory

Adjective

• fine
• OK
• alright
• good
• acceptable
• agreeable

Examples of satisfactory in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The fifth season will have a really hard time wrapping up everything in a satisfactory way at this point. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Throwing a couple of pizzas in the oven and tossing a simple salad will get a satisfactory answer to that question in less than 20 minutes. — Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

Kelley said the company believed the existing easement was satisfactory and wasn’t told otherwise until after investing years of work on he project. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

For writing, editing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing, performance proved entirely satisfactory. — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1576, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

satisfactory

adjective

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē 

: giving satisfaction

satisfactorily

-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

satisfactoriness

-t(ə-)rē-nəs

noun