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

After months of negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement, the union approved strike action earlier this month in a vote held in tandem with unions at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The effort displayed by Kansas’ 14 men’s basketball players at Bill Self’s 24th annual Boot Camp proved satisfactory to the Hall of Fame Jayhawks coach. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026

There may never be a satisfactory explanation for the WNBA’s insistence on abandoning such a loyal, durable fanbase, but the fans didn’t come to Mohegan Sun Arena one last time to ask why. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

This is not a satisfactory outcome for anyone — not people experiencing homelessness, the surrounding community or the institutions serving vulnerable Chicagoans. — Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 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