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

• okay
• fine
• OK
• alright

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

Since its premiere in 2011, Downton Abbey has bid audiences adieu a few times — first, with its television finale after six seasons; then, over the course of two films, any one of which could have been a satisfactory conclusion for this cadre of characters. —Mekishana Pierre September 11, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025

While the golf course renovation was not satisfactory to many people, it was needed. —Steven Franck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

On a scale of one to five, an average or satisfactory experience is a three. —Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Of those, six — including five children — are in satisfactory condition. —Nbc News, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, 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