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 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 Conspiracy-mongers are now frothing at the mouth as both of the high-profile cases, while unrelated, reached unceremonious, and to many unsatisfactory, ends within just a few days of each other. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025 Because of that, in parallel to the negotiations, the bloc continues to prepare countermeasures should talks yield unsatisfactory outcomes and may need to rebalance the agreement targeting some key sectors. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025 However, high temperatures could make outdoor celebrations unsatisfactory, with extreme heat warnings in place across Southern California, Southern Nevada and western Arizona through the weekend. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory
Adjective
  • This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What constitutes an unacceptable season for the Yankees these days, and how much does Boone bear responsibility when the team doesn't perform up to those standards?
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cutting carbs entirely can raise the risk of cholesterol, kidney stones, poor bone health, gut problems, and even cancer, added Stefanki.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Before Wednesday’s game, people within the organization were optimistic about Helsley putting his tipping problem and overall poor pitching behind him, pointing to a clean inning Monday.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub's material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Scotsman Robert MacIntyre was pleased to have made the cut with a birdie on the last on Friday evening but when a rare second cut was made to shorten the field for the final day, the 29-year-old from Oban was on the wrong side of the line when finishing 2 under par.
    Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Another main issue is that the power grind itself now being the endgame is no longer a good motivator to play, nor is the Tier system with 3s not much different than 4s or 5s, and all past weapons being somewhat lame now outside of that system entirely.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Paine proposed a lump sum payment of £15 (£2,306 in 2025) to everyone reaching the age of twenty-one and a £10 (£1,537 in 2025) annual pension for the blind and lame, as well as for those fifty and older.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But that’s actually a bad thing for a couple reasons.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But worse than the poverty was the verbal and physical abuse from his father.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The following table lists the deficient, virtuous, and excess descriptions of justice.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Of the veterinary diets, 66% were found to have lower total protein by design and were also deficient in one or more essential amino acids.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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