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

To receive the senior rate, a person must apply to the Rogers Water Utilities and present satisfactory proof of age, such as a government issued identification card, driver's license, passport or birth certificate. —Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025

His plan and his answers in terms of navigating those name, image, and likeness waters were not viewed satisfactory enough. —Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

The department notes a score of 85 or less is not satisfactory. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

The 2025 team is only at the halfway point, but there aren’t many strong signs that Stefanski and Berry’s overall body of work will be viewed as satisfactory or trending upward in two months. —Zac Jackson, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025

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