as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
an unsatisfactory first attempt at building a birdhouse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsatisfactory
Jayapal gave me a long, tight hug, and offered a kind though unsatisfactory response.
—
Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
The district says the 10-year plan would modernize 159 schools and eliminate all buildings currently rated poor or unsatisfactory.
—Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
More than likely, Silver’s answer will be unsatisfactory for most.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Melinda Gates and Mackenzie Scott divorced their unsatisfactory husbands and are living the dream today as fabulously rich philanthropists.
—Katha Pollitt, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
The district says the 10-year plan would modernize 159 schools and eliminate all buildings currently rated poor or unsatisfactory.
—Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
More than likely, Silver’s answer will be unsatisfactory for most.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Melinda Gates and Mackenzie Scott divorced their unsatisfactory husbands and are living the dream today as fabulously rich philanthropists.
—Katha Pollitt, Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory
Adjective
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There have also been reports that some migrants are being held at the processing center longer than ICE policy allows, something Veasey called unacceptable.—
Marissa Armas,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Government actions have an important symbolic value and show that authorities deem violence against women unacceptable, said Isadora Vianna, a sociology researcher from Rio de Janeiro State University.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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City officials say the long-term leases make buying Liberty Station a poor investment for any potential buyer other than Seligman.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Further, according to the paper, when supply tightens, richer nations outbid poorer ones for scarce shipments, exacerbating challenges for vulnerable economies.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This story has been updated to correct wrong information from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
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So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Smith said the legislation could pass in December, during the lame-duck session of Congress that will follow November’s midterm elections, but that the coming days are critical.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
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Maybe that’s a lame hook, but that, combined with the return of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gets them back in their spot.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Knicks were held to less than 100 points for only the seventh time and had their fourth-worst three-point shooting performance of the season, going eight for 34.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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The Pacers have the second-worst record in the NBA, 1 ½ games better than Sacramento.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The city’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, or DOTI, was seen as most deficient among operators and brokers.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
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Researchers say further studies are needed to determine whether the improvements in muscle power translate into fewer falls, and whether frailer or protein-deficient seniors might see greater benefits.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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