unsatisfactory

adjective

un·​sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē 

: not satisfactory

unsatisfactorily

ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-lē 

adverb

unsatisfactoriness

ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of unsatisfactory

• unacceptable
• poor
• wrong
• lame
• bad
• deficient

Examples of unsatisfactory in a Sentence

He was fired for unsatisfactory performance.

an unsatisfactory first attempt at building a birdhouse

Recent Examples on the Web

Know More These responses have been unsatisfactory given the gravity of the situation, analysts say. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

But what an imaginative launching pad to interrogate the nature of greatness, the unsatisfactory acknowledgements of one’s own mediocrity, the seemingly unjust parceling out of genius from God. — Doni Wilson, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026

For City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents Boyle Heights, the investigation’s conclusion was unsatisfactory. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

The changes with the psychologists do not meet her expectations and have created an unsatisfactory situation. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

• factory
• manufactory
• olfactory
• refractory