unsatisfactory

[uhn-sat-is-fak-tuh-ree]

adjective

1. not satisfactory; not satisfying or meeting one's demands; inadequate.

   Synonyms: insufficient, disappointing

unsatisfactory

/ -trɪ, ˌʌnsætɪsˈfæktərɪ /

adjective

1. not adequate or suitable; unacceptable

Other Word Forms

• unsatisfactorily adverb
• unsatisfactoriness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsatisfactory¹

First recorded in 1630–40; un- ¹ + satisfactory

Example Sentences

All the previous theories have elements of truth, but there is something unsatisfactory about them.

From Salon

But instead of putting the matter to rest, the statements sparked further outrage, with some opposition politicians accusing Kumar of either avoiding answering specific questions or providing unsatisfactory explanations.

From BBC

An unsatisfactory ending that could lead to further disputes.

From BBC

That described the speed that payments had been made as "profoundly unsatisfactory" and said that victims had been "harmed further" by the way they had been treated over the last 12 months.

From BBC

Alice said it was "deeply unsatisfactory" that she didn't find out whether her complaint had been upheld.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficient 
• disappointing 
• distressing www.thesaurus.com
• mediocre 
• regrettable 
• unacceptable 
• unsuitable