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

The redhead, Betty Mayfield, is the most unsatisfactory aspect of the book. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

That lack of clarity has led public-health officials to offer somewhat unsatisfactory advice on how to keep yourself safe. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

Lacking exposure to new knowledge can feel quite unsatisfactory. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Anything less is considered unsatisfactory. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

• factory
• manufactory
• olfactory
• refractory