unsatisfactory

adjective

un·​sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌən-ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce unsatisfactory (audio)
: not satisfactory
unsatisfactorily adverb
unsatisfactoriness noun

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 As a matter of fact, the sales of luxury goods in China in the first quarter of this year were indeed unsatisfactory. Li Jun, WWD, 24 June 2024 Equity Negotiating Team Chair Stephen Bogardus said in a statement that the decision came as a result of an unsatisfactory wage package put forward by the League. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 June 2024 Those senior managers would then use extant performance-review procedures to more quickly and aggressively weed out unsatisfactory employees. Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 Irving’s tenure with the Nets proved to be another unsatisfactory stopover on the disgruntled superstar’s journey through the NBA. Rich Thompson, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsatisfactory 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsatisfactory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsatisfactory was circa 1650

Dictionary Entries Near unsatisfactory

Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

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