unsatisfactory

Unsatisfactory is an adjective used to describe something that does not meet expected standards, requirements, or quality. It implies dissatisfaction with a product, service, performance, or result and often indicates that corrective action, clarification, or additional information is needed.

Originating from the negation of satisfactory, the word combines the prefix un- with satisfactory. Satisfactory itself is derived from Latin satis (enough) and facere (to do), passing into English via Old French and Middle English. The form unsatisfactory has been in use since the early modern period to label deficiencies in assessments or outcomes.

In practical use, unsatisfactory appears in education, customer service, inspections, and performance reviews. It is frequently followed by a request for improvement or explanation. The term can be subjective, so specifying deficiencies (for example, "lacking supporting data" or "not meeting the stated criteria") improves clarity. In some evaluation systems, the phrase "less than satisfactory" or a numerical lower rating is used to indicate a remedy threshold.

Related terms include satisfactory, adequate, deficient, and disappointing. See also quality control and performance appraisal.