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

Safety, satisfactory customer service, and ensuring riders feel secure are best achieved by maintaining — and even increasing — staffing in transit systems. —John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026

Cavedon said the case centers on what happens if a person gives an answer that the officer doesn’t find satisfactory. —ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

If the United States wins the WBC championship Tuesday, when no outcome besides victory would have been satisfactory, the team will explode in celebration. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026

With a combined output of 437 horsepower, the SUV has no trouble getting up to speed and does so at a pace that is both satisfactory and entertaining, thanks to the artificial exhaust note piped through the audio speakers. —Jesus R. Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 15 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