dissatisfying 1 of 2

adjective

1
as in disappointing

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2
as in insufficient

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Dissimilar Words

dissatisfying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dissatisfy
1
as in failing
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of a restaurant serving portions that will not dissatisfy even the heartiest eater

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in displeasing
to make discontented an administrative assistant dissatisfied by her meager paycheck

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dissatisfying
Adjective
The Erika plot is one of the several dissatisfying threads in this episode. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025 Last season, the Bruins strung together three wins against Rutgers, Nebraska and Iowa – but that team resembled Chip Kelly’s decent-if-dissatisfying regime. — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
His 2-3 playoff record came after a long dissatisfying postseason stretch from Chan Gailey (0-2), Bill Parcells (0-2), Phillips (1-2) and before McCarthy (1-3). — Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissatisfying
  1. disappointing
  2. insufficient
  3. displeasing
  4. saddening
  5. poor
  6. annoying
  7. cheerless
  8. short
Adjective
  • Cohn said that despite the disappointing result of the ballot petition, the process helped create a strong local coalition to advocate for funding for safer streets and transit in future years.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • Roosevelt’s record also revealed the limits of that promise; progressive promises could coexist with regressive burdens, legislative compromises, and disappointing results.
    — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of disappointing
Adjective
  • Investors face a new reality where conventional diversification is insufficient.
    — Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • David Wallack, owner of Mango’s Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive, vociferously criticized Suarez’ plan as insufficient.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of insufficient
Verb
  • But many Spotify users voiced displeasure at the change-up, with some complaining that the disco ball looked pixelated on a small phone screen and, generally, was visually displeasing.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of displeasing
Adjective
  • The result is a bonus both surprising and saddening.
    — Bob Brody, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2026
  • The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of saddening
Adjective
  • Headline figures such as tasks completed, queries handled or hours saved can look impressive while concealing errors, rework, poor customer outcomes and escalating operating expenses.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Habits like poor sleep, heavy drinking and smoking often make things worse, and work pressure, financial strain and caring for aging parents can compound the effects.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of poor
Verb
  • Of course, this would depend on whether the managers choose to pick their strongest teams in what for some is a meaningless, even annoying extra fixture, for squads who just want to go home.
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • The Manchester City star is fully back to his 2024 Ballon d’Or-winning self, marshaling the middle, providing amazing connection between the front and back and even annoying the French players with some gamesmanship near the end.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of annoying
Adjective
  • The storm let up before daybreak, but the morning was gray and cheerless with a cold wind.
    — Elwyn "Bud" Myers, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Gomez gestured across the street toward 100 Centre Street—the criminal courthouse, a cheerless Art Deco building the color of cinder blocks.
    — Sarah Lustbader, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of cheerless
Adjective
  • Lavish in convenience, the property is a short walk away to the Bedford Avenue subway stop, the vast and lively McCarren Park, and close to the border of the ever-evolving Greenpoint neighborhood.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • The new short film by writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal will premiere at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
Definition of short

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Cite this Entry

“Dissatisfying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissatisfying. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dissatisfying

Nglish: Translation of dissatisfying for Spanish Speakers

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