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 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.
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 That was unsatisfactory to Trump, who has wanted to oust Powell for years. David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Meta's attempt to resolve the bloc’s antitrust investigation of WhatsApp by charging third-party AI companies for access is unsatisfactory, the European Commission said Wednesday. ABC News, 15 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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