satisfactorily

satisfactorily — adverb

1. When a task or action is done satisfactorily, the result reaches the expected le

1.adverbC1
Definition

When a task or action is done satisfactorily, the result reaches the expected level of quality or what was needed.

Example

After weeks of practice, Ife played the piece satisfactorily at the concert.

adverb modifying a performance verb

The IT team confirmed that all systems were running satisfactorily after the update.

collocation: running/working/functioning satisfactorily

Common collocations
  • perform satisfactorily
  • work satisfactorily
  • function satisfactorily
  • complete satisfactorily
  • answer satisfactorily
  • resolve satisfactorily
Synonyms
  • adequately

    emphasises the minimum acceptable level rather than meeting a specific expected standard

  • acceptably

    slightly more formal, often used when there is a clear minimum threshold

  • properly

    broader meaning, often about correctness or the right method rather than meeting standards

Antonyms
  • unsatisfactorily

    direct opposite — failing to meet the expected standard

  • inadequately

    suggests the result was not enough or fell short of what was needed

Usage Note

Frequently modifies verbs that describe performance, function, or completion, such as operate, perform, complete, answer, or resolve. More common in formal or written English than in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

The test results were satisfactorily.
The test results were satisfactory.
'satisfactorily' is an adverb, not an adjective. Use the adjective 'satisfactory' after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four adverbs describe a result that meets some expected level, but they differ in scope and nuance. Satisfactorily implies that the result meets a stated or understood standard — the job was done as well as needed. Adequately focuses on sufficiency rather than meeting a specific standard; something done adequately is just enough to get by. Acceptably carries a social or evaluative tone — the result is within the range that others will tolerate or approve of. Properly is the broadest term, often referring to correctness of method rather than outcome: a machine that runs properly does so without error. For example, a student who answers a question satisfactorily has met the teacher's expectation, while answering it adequately suggests a passing but minimal response, and answering it properly means following the correct procedure.

satisfactorily ↗adequately ↗acceptablyproperly ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • quite satisfactorily
  • very satisfactorily
  • less satisfactorily

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed from the adjective 'satisfactory' (meaning 'good enough') plus the adverb suffix '-ly'. 'Satisfactory' itself comes from the Latin 'satisfacere', meaning 'to do enough' — from 'satis' (enough) and 'facere' (to do or make). The word entered English in the 1600s and has been used in legal, academic, and everyday contexts ever since.