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

Underwood and Mirkovic are face-to-face, and Underwood is giving his young power forward the business for not giving satisfactory effort on the boards. —Cj Moore, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

While Adam Poole facially resembles Scheider, he is only allowed to do so much and does so in a satisfactory way. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

Also, veterinarians inspect our canines and facilities quarterly, most recently in January with satisfactory findings. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

The bulbs will not produce a satisfactory bloom the second year and should be discarded. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 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