The Word “Satisfactory”: Synonyms and Usage
satisfactory – Definition and Part of Speech
The word satisfactory is an adjective used to describe something that meets expectations or requirements adequately but not exceptionally. It indicates a level of acceptability without reaching excellence.
Core Synonyms
Below, you will find a table of synonyms for “satisfactory,” each with a brief definition or nuance and an example sentence, along with the style/register they are most commonly used in:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptable | Meets minimum standards; often used to imply “not bad but not great.” | “The test results were acceptable, although there’s room for improvement.” | Informal/Formal |
| Adequate | Sufficient in quantity or quality for a particular purpose. | “His skills were adequate for the job requirements.” | Formal/Business |
| Commendable | Deserving praise; slightly stronger than satisfactory but still positive. | “Her effort was commendable, even though it didn’t win first prize.” | Informal/Formal/Academic |
| Passable | Barely meets standards or requirements; often used in a neutral to negative context. | “The performance was passable but lacked the energy of last year.” | Casual/Formal |
| Decent | Moderate in quality; suggests something is fair and reasonable without being outstanding. | “The food at this restaurant is decent, though not exceptional.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Business Writing: In a business context, “adequate” and “acceptable” are often used when discussing performance or product quality, as they imply meeting necessary standards without overstating the case.
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Academic Papers: The word “commendable” might be preferred in academic writing to recognize efforts that show promise but haven’t fully achieved the highest marks. It subtly praises while acknowledging room for improvement.
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Casual Speech: Words like “decent” and “passable” are more casual, making them suitable for everyday conversation when discussing experiences or performances that were neither impressive nor disappointing.
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Creative Writing: In creative contexts, using a word like “commendable” can add nuance to character development or plot progression by implying effort and intent without overt praise.
Common Pitfalls
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Misunderstanding Nuances: One common mistake is confusing “adequate” with “excellent,” as the former implies just enough rather than superior quality. It’s important to choose a synonym that accurately conveys the intended level of performance or quality.
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Context Appropriateness: Some synonyms, like “passable,” might carry slightly negative undertones if used improperly, suggesting something barely meets standards rather than is simply moderate in quality.
Final Recap
The key synonyms for “satisfactory” include “acceptable,” “adequate,” “commendable,” “passable,” and “decent.” Each carries its own subtle nuances, making them suitable for different contexts—from business and academia to casual conversation. Understanding these differences helps enhance precision and clarity in communication.
To further grasp the distinctions, try creating sentences using each synonym in various contexts or engage in conversations where you can test their applicability. This practice will not only expand your vocabulary but also improve your ability to choose words that best fit the intended message.