Unsatisfactory

/ˌʌnˌsætɪsˈfaktəri/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not satisfactory; failing to meet expectations or standards.

The performance review was deemed unsatisfactory by the management team.

Not good enough; inadequate or unacceptable.

The product's quality was unsatisfactory, leading to a high rate of returns.

Timely or effective in achieving desired results; falling short.

Despite their efforts, the results of the project were unsatisfactory.

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' combined with 'satisfactory', derived from Latin 'satisfacere' meaning 'to make sufficient or satisifed'.

unsatisfactory performance

performance that does not meet standards or expectations

unsatisfactory conditions

conditions that are not acceptable or enjoyable

unsatisfactory results

outcomes that fail to achieve the desired objectives

satisfaction

the feeling of pleasure or fulfillment derived from having one's needs or desires met

satisfactory

meeting the requirements or standards; acceptable

dissatisfaction

the feeling of not being satisfied or pleased

meh

The movie was just meh, definitely unsatisfactory for what I expected.

subpar

The food was subpar, totally unsatisfactory for the price we paid.