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

For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

If they’re done deliberately and thoroughly evaluated, both methods may yield satisfactory results for a specific deployment. — Srini Srinivasan, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Employees may have to explain context that the agent should already have or fail to provide it at all, which can potentially result in tasks being performed to less-than-satisfactory expectations. — William Jones, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

While the result is not fully satisfactory, Khun Tharo, program manager at CENTRAL, said the organization respects the workers’ decision. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 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