unsatisfactory

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The question of why has been much debated over the years; at his trial, Meursault offers an unsatisfactory answer: “because of the sun.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

She pitched it to Lichtenberg and his now-manager at Fortune, Ashley Lutz, who experimented with the fledgling technology, but the initial results were unsatisfactory and the test was discontinued.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

During that time, he released two albums recorded while on bail or day release, but he generally glosses over them as unsatisfactory when discussing his career.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch, which if handed an "unsatisfactory" rating would see the venue slapped with a demerit point.

From Barron's • Dec. 29, 2025

It was a long time coming, and when it finally arrived, it was most unsatisfactory.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry