English · Word Candidate

satisfactory

/sætɪsˈfækt(ə)ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: satisfactories

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.

Adjective

Examples

The satisfactory results of the survey led to his promotion.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Causing satisfaction; agreeable or pleasant; satisfying.

Adjective

Examples

To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch their renewal of life,—this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.

Noun

Examples

They seem quite big on more selectivity in breeding and stiffer tests to divide the satisfactories from rejects. They say that even the term 'satisfactories' is wrong because it suggests a level just above mediocrity.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The rating given to somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.

Noun

Examples

I've been a good student — mostly distinguisheds and only a few satisfactories […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “satisfactory” mean?

Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.

Is “satisfactory” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.