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

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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

With a team that has a margin of error as small as the Dolphins, these penalties are unacceptable.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Likewise, the underlying crisis of commercially unacceptable risk in the Strait isn’t anywhere close to being resolved.

— David Faris, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of unacceptable

Adjective

British police acknowledged applying for the warrants under the wrong statutory provision, the judge said while stipulating that the misconduct investigation against the king's brother could continue.

— Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Doctors in Tennessee and Republican state senators called for the state to pause executions, because the chances of one going catastrophically wrong were so high.

— Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of wrong

Adjective

But then came the nightmare of Game 3, one of the Sox’s worst performances in weeks.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Specifically, people with worse fever tended to have more of a protein called flagellin in their systems than those with little to no fever.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

To help with hair regrowth, Bauman often recommends nutrient-dense meals rich with protein, healthy fat and the trace minerals that, when deficient, can lead to hair loss.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 2 Oct. 2026
Of course, supplementing with vitamin D is especially helpful for those who are deficient.

— Nicole Catanese, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of deficient

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unsatisfactoriness

unsatisfactory

unsatisfied

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“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsatisfactory

adjective

Example Sentences

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