unsatisfactory

adjective

un·​sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce unsatisfactory (audio)
: not satisfactory
unsatisfactorily adverb
unsatisfactoriness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even then, the results are often unsatisfactory for your (once) vibrant white shirts. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 The county faces at least 19 lawsuits claiming that conditions are unsatisfactory and that medical and mental health care are inadequate in the jails. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Add the mobile Maiava to the mix and USC might just have a recipe for gaining ground on last season’s unsatisfactory seven-win season. Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025 Clubs can check one of five boxes that range from unsatisfactory performance to personal conduct that adversely affects the club. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsatisfactory was circa 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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