as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard an unsatisfactory first attempt at building a birdhouse

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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 unsatisfactory Co-developed by Toyota, the Subaru EV had ho-hum looks, average acceleration, just acceptable range and unsatisfactory charging infrastructure. Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The unsatisfactory solution might just be giving up exporting to the U.S. The tit for tat imposition of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and China puts a magnifying glass over the scope of competitive threat the Chinese auto industry to the domestic companies. Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, tens of thousands of public servants have been fired, some under the guise of unsatisfactory employee assessments, as the Trump administration works to slash the size of the federal workforce. Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 Divorce is more stigmatized in these cultures, and individuals are less likely to seek separation, even in unsatisfactory marriages. Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory
Adjective
  • All these attacks are unacceptable, and this isn't just an American problem.
    Mandalit del Barco, NPR, 13 May 2025
  • That should be unacceptable to American negotiators.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each added 23 points and OG Anunoby bounced back from two poor performances by scoring 20 for the Knicks, who can win the series Wednesday night at Boston.
    Brian Mahoney, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
  • This results in a very poor Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 232.7% (against 21.5% for the S&P 500).
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ship was heading the wrong direction The training ship arrived at New York's Pier 17 and was open to the public to visit from May 13 to 17, according to the Mexican Consulate in New York.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Baltimore deserves credit for stepping up and sending Tullis-Joyce the wrong way, particularly against a cacophonous backdrop of angry United fans behind that goal.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • Too often over the last few years, the Red Sox have struggled to dispatch bad teams.
    Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025
  • The Celtics never have a bad defender on the court.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those who are deficient in magnesium are more likely to have anemia.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025
  • However, the team continues through the postseason, things could be tougher as other teams won't be as deficient in the frontcourt as the Lakers.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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