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

Police responses can also lead to trauma for that person or a less satisfactory outcome than another community service response would produce, Duckett said. — Scott Maucione, NPR, 27 July 2026

Of the wounded, one was a 2-year-old boy who was hospitalized but was in satisfactory condition on Monday. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026

Even a successful ground invasion would not guarantee a satisfactory outcome unless political leaders had a credible plan for the post-invasion governance and order. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

These initial efforts proved less than satisfactory in that regard for many, meaning that grillers were being forced to choose between convenience and quality. — William Jones, USA Today, 20 July 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