satisfice

[ sat-is-fahys ]

verb (used without object)

, sat·is·ficed, sat·is·fic·ing.

1. to choose or adopt the first satisfactory option that one comes across:

   the tendency of decision-makers to satisfice rather than look for the optimal solution.

satisfice

/ ˈsætɪsˌfaɪs /

verb

1. intr to act in such a way as to satisfy the minimum requirements for achieving a particular result
2. obsolete.
   tr to satisfy

Derived Forms

• ˈsatisˌficer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfice¹

First recorded in 1955–60 ( 1560–70 in the obsolete sense “satisfy”); satis(fy) ( def ) + (suf)fice ( def ) or (sacri)fice ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of satisfice¹

C16: altered from satisfy

Example Sentences

So we’re not really gathering information as much as trying to satisfice our existing intuition.

From Time

We need to satisfice more and maximize less.

From Time

We satisfice, selecting a compromise between good-enough and the amount of effort required to consider alternatives.

From Forbes

But we know you have to have some of those things to make a company function, so as entrepreneurs we hold our noses and satisfice, feeling we’ve settled for some rotten compromise.

From Forbes