unsatisfactory

adjective

un·​sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce unsatisfactory (audio)
Synonyms of unsatisfactorynext
: not satisfactory
unsatisfactorily
ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-lē How to pronounce unsatisfactory (audio)
adverb
unsatisfactoriness
ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē-nəs How to pronounce unsatisfactory (audio)
noun

Synonyms of unsatisfactory

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Examples of unsatisfactory in a Sentence

He was fired for unsatisfactory performance. an unsatisfactory first attempt at building a birdhouse
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Within minutes of Hochul's remarks, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued subpoenas to law enforcement agencies that either did not confirm plans to unwind their agreements, or whose responses were deemed unsatisfactory. — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Babcock Park Pool received an unsatisfactory rating in January for a similar equipment violation. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 That will be an understandably unsatisfactory answer for many fans, but there are still too many questions the coaches can’t answer. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection — while a score of 85 or below is considered unsatisfactory, the CDC noted. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsatisfactory was circa 1650

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

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Browse Nearby Words

unsatisfactoriness
unsatisfactory
unsatisfiable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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