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

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

Within minutes of Hochul's remarks, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued subpoenas to law enforcement agencies that either did not confirm plans to unwind their agreements, or whose responses were deemed unsatisfactory. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Babcock Park Pool received an unsatisfactory rating in January for a similar equipment violation. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

• factory
• manufactory
• olfactory
• refractory