satisfactory

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

Synonyms

• okay
• fine
• OK
• alright

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 law dropped the requirement to test drugs on animals for FDA approval when there’s other safety data from computer simulations or mini-organs satisfactory to regulators. —Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

But because Cal West is building the park and will pay for its amenities, the city deemed the requirements satisfactory. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2025

Google never had a satisfactory answer for this approach to wearables. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025

Development of the two latter categories is not particularly satisfactory, Hugo Boss conceded. —Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, 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