Definition of unsatisfactorynext
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard an unsatisfactory first attempt at building a birdhouse

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Example Sentences

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 That was unsatisfactory to Trump, who has wanted to oust Powell for years. David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Meta's attempt to resolve the bloc’s antitrust investigation of WhatsApp by charging third-party AI companies for access is unsatisfactory, the European Commission said Wednesday. ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, the merger with Compaq did not live up to expectations, and after years of unsatisfactory earnings reports the HP board of directors demanded chair and CEO Carly Fiorina step down, a move that jumpstarted shares in HP stock. Chris Anderson, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 In their eyes, the global economy is to blame for their unsatisfactory job prospects, feminism is to blame for their failures with women, minority rights are forcing them to relinquish their privilege as straight men, and so on. Miriam Eve Mora, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsatisfactory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsatisfactory
Adjective
  • Warsh called that unacceptable and kept saying so.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • This proposal is utterly unacceptable.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rebecca Lowe joins Dan Patrick to discuss some of the top storylines around the World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo's poor play to start, the United States' potential and more.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Will the gap between rural and urban America – and the gap between rich and poor America – decline or grow?
    Arthur Cosby, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tom Kim dropped two shots at the wrong time and shot 72.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Every traveler has a trip that went spectacularly wrong.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
  • At supper the guides exchanged significant glances across the fire and acted like a couple of guys who have picked a lame horse.
    Fred Bear, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Are those still your worst fears?
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • While a higher tracker error is not bad in and of itself, most investors become uncomfortable when their portfolio acts so differently from the index.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • About 220,000 need major repair or replacement, and 41,677 are rated poor, also called structurally deficient.
    Alex Krasnok, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • About 220,000 need major repair or replacement, and 41,677 are rated poor, also called structurally deficient.
    Alex Krasnok, The Conversation, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unsatisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsatisfactory. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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