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.
That was unsatisfactory to Trump, who has wanted to oust Powell for years. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 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 Lacking exposure to new knowledge can feel quite unsatisfactory. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 In their eyes, the global economy is to blame for their unsatisfactory job prospects, feminism is to blame for their failures with women, minority rights are forcing them to relinquish their privilege as straight men, and so on. — Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 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

Rhymes for unsatisfactory

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Browse Nearby Words

unsatisfactoriness
unsatisfactory
unsatisfiable
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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsatisfactory

Nglish: Translation of unsatisfactory for Spanish Speakers

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