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
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.
Vague prompts deliver unsatisfactory results, and a new user is unlikely to understand the nuance of these commands, creating frustration. Hunter Steele, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Bothwell said the city has thrown up another roadblock in case the PB planners get an unsatisfactory ruling. Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Almost two months after the wedding, the signs were suddenly unsatisfactory. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 During this year, an agency can fire a probationary employee for unsatisfactory performance by putting in writing the reason for firing. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsatisfactory was circa 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsatisfactory. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unsatisfactory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!