en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

"Satisfying" vs. "satisfactory": finding the right fit

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 01/11/2024, 04:38
English.me team member
Satisfying and satisfactory. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words relate to fulfilling or meeting an expectation, desire, or requirement.

What is different?

The word "satisfying" often describes an experience or feeling that gives pleasure or a sense of fulfillment, while "satisfactory" describes something that meets a criteria or standard, often in a more neutral or technical sense.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for satisfying) and satisfactory

Examples of usage

Satisfying
  • The meal was incredibly satisfying and left us feeling content.
  • Completing the project ahead of schedule was a satisfying achievement.
  • It was satisfying to hear that everyone enjoyed the event.
Satisfactory
  • The student's performance was satisfactory, meeting all the course requirements.
  • The product was of satisfactory quality, though not exceptional.
  • We found the resolution of the issue to be satisfactory.

Recommended posts in Difference

"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language

"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language

Decimation originally meant reducing by a tenth, but now it ... Learn more →

"Rowdy" vs. "riotous": exploring two sides of chaos

"Rowdy" vs. "riotous": exploring two sides of chaos

"Rowdy" typically refers to people who are noisy and disruptive, ... Learn more →

"Calamity" vs. "disaster": nuances of misfortune

"Calamity" vs. "disaster": nuances of misfortune

While both terms describe adverse events, "calamity" can sometimes imply ... Learn more →

"Heal" vs. "mend": where meaning overlaps and diverges

"Heal" vs. "mend": where meaning overlaps and diverges

"Heal" typically relates to recovering health or well-being in living ... Learn more →