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

IQAir expects the air quality index (AQI) to improve throughout the day Monday, even reaching the green level that is considered satisfactory. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Between 40% and 60% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience sleep difficulties, yet most don’t receive satisfactory treatment because the issue is so often misunderstood or minimized. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

The operation was completed without any safety incidents, and all missions received satisfactory evaluations, marking a major step forward in the wing’s transition to the multirole capabilities of the F-15EX. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

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

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