UNSATISFACTORY Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

unsatisfactory

adjective

ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē

Definition of unsatisfactory

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 That lack of clarity has led public-health officials to offer somewhat unsatisfactory advice on how to keep yourself safe. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 Lacking exposure to new knowledge can feel quite unsatisfactory. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Immigrant rights advocates raised concerns with changes to the Medi-Cal program for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, especially after the state Senate forecast in its plan that additional cost burdens wouldn’t be necessary, and that some could be delayed. — Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 Altman said his response was unsatisfactory to him and others because Musk said perhaps his controlling shares and votes should pass to his children. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory

Adjective

Carney has called that demand unacceptable and a question of Canadian sovereignty.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Custard said, for the public, all this adds up to unacceptable risk.

— Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of unacceptable

Adjective

Dozens of companies have withdrawn over the past decades due to poor profits, an uncertain business outlook and concerns about harm to their reputations from making arms, especially lethal weapons.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Along the way, the audience can expect tons of humiliation, terrible second prizes, and the guarantee that Robertson will turn at least one poor soul's wrong turn into several minutes of unhinged public destruction.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

Poor Anton has been left out of the drama all day, an effort by Billie and Samir to prevent an already bad futzing from escalating to something severe, and that’s never where Anton likes to be.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Although rarely seen, its reemergence earlier this summer is a signal of how bad the region’s ongoing drought has gotten, as well as a warning for the difficult months ahead.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bad

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unsatisfactoriness

unsatisfactory

unsatisfied

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Style

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

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Synonyms of unsatisfactory

adjective

Example Sentences

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