Definition

Not meeting the required standards or expectations; not good enough.

Example

The results of the project were deemed unsatisfactory by the committee.

Conversation

I just got my exam results back.

Oh no, how did you do?

Honestly, they were pretty unsatisfactory overall.

That's a bummer! Maybe you can talk to the teacher about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsatisfactory → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "satisfacere" (meaning to satisfy), and "-ory" (meaning relating to). The word "unsatisfactory" means not relating to or not providing satisfaction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') providing 'satisfaction' ('satisfacere') — that's why unsatisfactory means something that does not satisfy.

Visually Confused Words