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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Babcock Park Pool received an unsatisfactory rating in January for a similar equipment violation. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 That will be an understandably unsatisfactory answer for many fans, but there are still too many questions the coaches can’t answer. — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection — while a score of 85 or below is considered unsatisfactory, the CDC noted. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The redhead, Betty Mayfield, is the most unsatisfactory aspect of the book. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory

Adjective

Detection is no substitute for prevention, not when consequences are truly unacceptable.

— Andrew Ginter, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The win won’t change what’s frankly been an unacceptable campaign for a program that was 18-1-4 just two seasons ago.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of unacceptable

Adjective

Disease that has spread to those organs is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
They were frustrated with teacher shortages and poor conditions at schools, including overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings.

— James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

Poetry gets left behind by the exigency of character development or, in the movie’s self-defeating logic, because the art form doesn’t really matter and is only a lame excuse for people who won’t take responsibility and grow up.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Blumenthal hopes to see action on KOSA in the lame-duck session.

— Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of lame

Adjective

Nearly one-third of adults in the United States may be iron deficient, according to a 2024 study.

— Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
The county attorney's office said the case was submitted to prosecutors in June 2024, but the case file was deficient and did not support charges.

— Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of deficient

Browse Nearby Words

unsatisfactoriness

unsatisfactory

unsatisfied

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Style

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsatisfactory

adjective

Example Sentences

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