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 of satisfactory

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

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

But the Outback is satisfactory in both categories. —James Raia, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026

Storage Solutions Just one simple medicine cabinet in the bathroom is no longer satisfactory for today's homebuyers, who crave an abundance of storage. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 Dec. 2025

To the grief police, no way of grieving is satisfactory. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

But the result wasn’t altogether satisfactory. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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