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 In addition to creating unsatisfactory weather, NWS meteorologists warned that the winds would cause hazardous seas and urged boaters to take caution. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment issued a notice of violation to Cedar Run over unsatisfactory living conditions last year. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 1 May 2025 Some observers pointed to City’s minimal spending last summer as evidence the club knew the looming judgement in that Premier League court case was headed toward an unsatisfactory end. Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025 If the response is unsatisfactory, the district could use information in the audit to refuse the two schools renewal. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory
Adjective
  • In April 2021, the European Commission proposed a draft of the Artificial Intelligence Act, aimed at introducing a system of AI classification based on risks to users (minimal, limited, high, unacceptable).
    Olena Orliuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Anything less is unacceptable to the Bosteros, as Boca’s fans are known.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.
    Emily Scarr, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her only 'crime' seems to be coming from the 'wrong' country.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • The Verge reported a Tesla Model Y robotaxi briefly traveled the wrong way down a road in Austin.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 23 June 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
  • After several months of strong economic news but incredibly weak consumer sentiment, America is starting to see those trends reverse: The vibes are on the rebound, but evidence is mounting that the economy is getting worse.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
  • Each show set off flurries of commentary — good and bad.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • If a person is not deficient in iron, too much iron can cause significant problems.5 3.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025
  • Noted: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans is deficient in Vitamin D.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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