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.
The Federal Government Is Doing Less Post George Floyd Despite this unsatisfactory state of affairs, the federal government is doing less to address these challenges. Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 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 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 8 Jun. 2025.

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