satisfactory

[ sat-is-fak-tuh-ree, -fak-tree ]

adjective

1. giving or affording satisfaction; fulfilling all demands or requirements:

   a satisfactory solution.

   Synonyms: passable, suitable, adequate, competent

2. Theology. atoning or expiating.

satisfactory

/ ˌsætɪsˈfæktərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. adequate or suitable; acceptable

   a satisfactory answer

2. giving satisfaction
3. constituting or involving atonement, recompense, or expiation for sin

Derived Forms

• ˌsatisˈfactoriness, noun
• ˌsatisˈfactorily, adverb

Other Words From

• satis·facto·ri·ly adverb
• satis·facto·ri·ness noun
• presat·is·facto·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfactory¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin satisfactōrius, from Latin satisfac(ere) “to do enough” ( satisfaction ( def ) ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

In a joint statement, the NASUWT, INTO, UTU and NEU said that they had made it clear to Education Minister Paul Givan that "he needs to make a satisfactory offer on pay".

From BBC

As per WHO, air with AQI values at or below 100 is considered to be satisfactory for breathing, while readings in the 400-500 range denote that pollution levels are "severe" in an area.

From BBC

Without a satisfactory NHS Assure review, new health facilities are not allowed to open to the public.

From BBC

He said the money for school buildings was "helpful" but that there was still "a significant shortfall in terms of what is needed to restore the school estate to a satisfactory condition".

From BBC

The injured victim, an 11-year-old girl, was in “satisfactory condition” at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Tuesday, a hospital spokesperson told the Associated Press.

From BBC

Related Words

• adequate
• decent
• fair
• good
• gratifying
• satisfying
• solid
• suitable
• tolerable
• valid