unsatisfactory

adjective

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

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.
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 Volpe hit 20 home runs, but he was left feeling unsatisfactory about his lack of contact and made adjustments for Year 2. Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 10 July 2025 Spain also enforces a two-step feedback process: a channel for reporting barriers or requesting information and a formal complaints procedure for unsatisfactory responses. Ran Ronen, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsatisfactory was circa 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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