satisfaction

noun

sat·​is·​fac·​tion ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce satisfaction (audio)
1
a
: the payment through penance of the temporal punishment incurred by a sin
b
: reparation for sin that meets the demands of divine justice
2
a
: fulfillment of a need or want
b
: the quality or state of being satisfied : contentment
c
: a source or means of enjoyment : gratification
3
a
: compensation for a loss or injury : atonement, restitution
b
: the discharge of a legal obligation or claim
4
: convinced assurance or certainty
proved to the satisfaction of the court

Examples of satisfaction in a Sentence

He gets great satisfaction from volunteering. the satisfaction of a job well done There is some satisfaction in knowing I was right. She finds a certain satisfaction in helping others. the satisfaction of his deep craving for love I complained to the manager about the poor service but did not get any satisfaction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their satisfaction often stems not just from external success but from crafting careers that resonate with their values and beliefs. Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 Success is not black and white; each situation brings challenges and satisfaction, and there is no absolute success or failure. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Sometimes, a shoe’s collar and tongue can dig into skin and take all the joy out of your day, but in the case of the Reebok Club C Revenge Vintage shoe, both of these components are padded for your comfort and satisfaction. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 But there’s a lot more satisfaction in raising your own. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for satisfaction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin satisfaction-, satisfactio, from Latin, reparation, amends, from satisfacere to satisfy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of satisfaction was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Satisfaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfaction. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

satisfaction

noun
sat·​is·​fac·​tion ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-shən How to pronounce satisfaction (audio)
1
a
: the quality or state of being satisfied
b
: a cause of satisfaction
2
: something that makes up for a loss or injury
3

Legal Definition

satisfaction

noun
sat·​is·​fac·​tion
1
a
: the act or fact of satisfying
b
: execution of an accord by performance of the substituted obligation
often used in the phrase accord and satisfaction
compare accord sense 3, transaction sense 3
c
: a document indicating that an obligation has been satisfied
a satisfaction of mortgage
2
: the quality or state of being satisfied

More from Merriam-Webster on satisfaction

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