satisfactory

adjective

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
: giving satisfaction : adequate
a satisfactory performance
satisfactorily adverb
satisfactoriness noun

Examples of satisfactory in a Sentence

The job requires a satisfactory level of performance. Results are less satisfactory than had been anticipated. He gave a satisfactory account of how the accident had happened. The movie was brought to a satisfactory close. His work has been satisfactory, but not outstanding.
Recent Examples on the Web The profit margins, Rick projected, would be more than satisfactory. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 12 Mar. 2024 Then customers rushed to return Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset before the trial period expired, many of them claiming in the process that the tech or the price tag weren’t quite satisfactory. Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2024 The prospective buyer checks a sink’s water pressure, finding everything satisfactory. Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Contributing to the satisfactory formation of partnerships? USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2024 Conversely, a satisfactory first-pass yield is considered to be above 90%. Sviat Dulianinov, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Like its still-boxy exterior, the Honda Pilot interior is satisfactory but far from innovative. James Raia, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2024 Others score lower -- Nikki Haley, satisfactory to 48%; Vivek Ramaswamy, 44%; Chris Christie (who withdrew Wednesday), 23%; and Asa Hutchinson, 17%. Gary Langer, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2024 An egregious example of this occurred in 2008, when economic forecasters generally believed that the U.S. economic recovery would continue at a satisfactory pace. Desmond Lachman, National Review, 12 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'satisfactory.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of satisfactory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near satisfactory

Cite this Entry

“Satisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfactory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

satisfactory

adjective
sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
: giving satisfaction
satisfactorily adverb
satisfactoriness
-t(ə-)rē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on satisfactory

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