unsatisfactory

Everyday

Unsatisfactory means not good enough, not of the quality wanted: an unsatisfactory answer, unsatisfactory work. tree →

In the lessons

Formal word in school reports, exams and inspections: «Your work is unsatisfactory» means you must do better. In everyday life, an unsatisfactory meal or repair did not meet what was needed. Plain words: not good enough, poor, disappointing.

Examples

• The teacher said my handwriting was unsatisfactory. tree →
• The repair was unsatisfactory, so the plumber came back. tree →
• We got an unsatisfactory answer from the shop. tree →
• The weather was unsatisfactory for a picnic. tree →
• His behaviour was unsatisfactory, so he lost his playtime. tree →
• If the result is unsatisfactory, try the experiment again. tree →
• Of course this was rather unsatisfactory. tree →

Note

Formal; in speech say «not good enough». «Un-» + «satisfactory». Spelling: -ory at the end. Opposite: satisfactory (good enough), not «satisfying», which means pleasing.