Good vs. Satisfactory: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Good" implies a higher quality or standard, often exceeding expectations, while "satisfactory" denotes adequacy, meeting basic requirements or expectations.
Key Differences
"Good" often conveys a sense of excellence or superiority, suggesting something is better than average. "Satisfactory," in contrast, implies adequacy without excess quality, indicating that something meets the basic standards or expectations but does not surpass them.
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Nov 18, 2023
In evaluating performance, "good" is used to describe a higher level of achievement, implying commendable aspects. "Satisfactory," however, is used when something fulfills requirements but doesn't necessarily exhibit traits that would elevate it beyond the basic level.
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Nov 18, 2023
When assessing products or services, "good" denotes a level of quality that may elicit positive reactions and satisfaction beyond the essential. In contrast, "satisfactory" suggests that the product or service meets the minimal acceptable standards, without necessarily providing additional value.
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Nov 18, 2023
In educational contexts, a "good" grade indicates a strong understanding and above-average performance, while a "satisfactory" grade reflects competence but not exceptional understanding or skill.
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Nov 18, 2023
In personal relationships, being described as "good" implies positive traits and a strong connection, whereas being deemed "satisfactory" might suggest adequacy in fulfilling roles or obligations without implying a particularly strong or positive bond.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Personal Relationships
Strong, positive traits
Adequate, fulfills obligations
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Good and Satisfactory Definitions
Satisfactory
Meeting the required standards.
The report was satisfactory to the committee.
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Nov 18, 2023
Satisfactory
Adequate, though not outstanding or excellent.
His performance was satisfactory, but not exceptional.
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Nov 18, 2023
Good
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor
A good experience.
Good news from the hospital.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Satisfactory
Providing enough, but not the best.
The hotel accommodations were satisfactory for our short stay.
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Nov 18, 2023
Good
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing
A good exterior paint.
A good joke.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement; adequate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable
Is this a good dress for the party?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.
The satisfactory results of the survey led to his promotion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Used formerly to refer to the US Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
The rating given to somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Giving or producing satisfaction; yielding content; especially, relieving the mind from doubt or uncertainty, and enabling it to rest with confidence; sufficient; as, a satisfactory account or explanation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Making amends, indemnification, or recompense; causing to cease from claims and to rest content; compensating; atoning; as, to make satisfactory compensation, or a satisfactory apology.
A most wise and sufficient means of redemption and salvation, by the satisfactory and meritorious death and obedience of the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ.
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Giving satisfaction;
Satisfactory living conditions
His grades were satisfactory
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Oct 19, 2023
Satisfactory
Fulfilling obligations or requirements.
The repair work was satisfactory and met all our needs.
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Nov 18, 2023
Satisfactory
Acceptable, though not impressive.
The test results were satisfactory, yet there's room for improvement.
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Nov 18, 2023
Good
In effect; operative
A warranty good for two years.
A driver's license that is still good.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Ready or able for a specified or assumed activity
I'm good for another round of golf.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Able to pay or contribute
Is she good for the money that you lent her?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play
The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay
Good heavens! Good grief!.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Goods(Slang) Incriminating information or evidence
Tried to get the goods on the crook.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Acting in the interest of what is beneficial, ethical, or moral.
Good intentions
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Able to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; of unimpaired credit; used with for.
Can you lend me fifty dollars? You know I'm good for it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Well-behaved (especially of children or animals).
Be good while your mother and I are out.
Were you a good boy for the babysitter?
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
(US) Satisfied or at ease; not requiring more.
Would you like a glass of water? — I'm good.
[Are] you good? — Yeah, I'm fine.
Gimme another beer! — I think you're good.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Accepting of, OK with
My mother said she's good with me being alone with my date as long as she's met them first.
The soup is rather spicy. Are you good with that, or would you like something else?
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Useful for a particular purpose; functional.
It’s a good watch;
The flashlight batteries are still good
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Of food or other perishable products, still fit for use; not yet expired, stale, rotten, etc.
The bread is still good.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Valid, of worth, capable of being honoured.
This coupon is good for a free doughnut.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
True, valid, of explanatory strength.
This theory still holds good even if much higher temperatures are assumed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Holy especially when capitalized .
Good Friday, Good Wednesday, the Good Book
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Large in amount or size.
A good while longer;
A good number of seeds;
A good part of his day was spent shopping.
It will be a good while longer until he's done.
He's had a good amount of troubles, he has.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Full; entire; at least as much as.
This hill will take a good hour and a half to climb.
The car was a good ten miles away.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
That is good; an elliptical exclamation of satisfaction or commendation.
Good! I can leave now.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
(nonstandard) Well; satisfactorily or thoroughly.
The boy done good. (did well)
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
(uncountable) The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
(uncountable) The abstract instantiation of goodness; that which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.
The best is the enemy of the good.
He is an influence for good on those girls.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
(transitive) To do good to (someone); benefit; cause to improve or gain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Good company, good wine, good welcome.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; - said of persons or actions.
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Kind; benevolent; humane; merciful; gracious; polite; propitious; friendly; well-disposed; - often followed by to or toward, also formerly by unto.
The men were very good unto us.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Serviceable; suited; adapted; suitable; of use; to be relied upon; - followed especially by for.
All quality that is good for anything is founded originally in merit.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Clever; skillful; dexterous; ready; handy; - followed especially by at.
He . . . is a good workman; a very good tailor.
Those are generally good at flattering who are good for nothing else.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Adequate; sufficient; competent; sound; not fallacious; valid; in a commercial sense, to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; having pecuniary ability; of unimpaired credit.
My reasons are both good and weighty.
My meaning in saying he is a good man is . . . that he is sufficient . . . I think I may take his bond.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Real; actual; serious; as in the phrases in good earnest; in good sooth.
Love no man in good earnest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Not small, insignificant, or of no account; considerable; esp., in the phrases a good deal, a good way, a good degree, a good share or part, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Not lacking or deficient; full; complete.
Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Not blemished or impeached; fair; honorable; unsullied; as in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, etc.
A good name is better than precious ointment
The good woman never died after this, till she came to die for good and all.
Distinguished by good humor and good breeding.
My father always said I was born to be a good for nothing.
The good nature and generosity which belonged to his character.
The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics.
The good will of a trade is nothing more than the probability that the old customers will resort to the old place.
Each word made good and true.
Of no power to make his wishes good.
I . . . would by combat make her good.
Convenient numbers to make good the city.
If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
That which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.; - opposed to evil.
There be many that say, Who will show us any good ?
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Advancement of interest or happiness; welfare; prosperity; advantage; benefit; - opposed to harm, etc.
The good of the whole community can be promoted only by advancing the good of each of the members composing it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Wares; commodities; chattels; - formerly used in the singular in a collective sense. In law, a comprehensive name for almost all personal property as distinguished from land or real property.
He hath made us spend much good.
Thy lands and goodsAre, by the laws of Venice, confiscateUnto the state of Venice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Well, - especially in the phrase as good, with a following as expressed or implied; equally well with as much advantage or as little harm as possible.
As good almost kill a man as kill a good book.
They who counsel ye to such a suppressing, do as good as bid ye suppress yourselves.
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Moral excellence or admirableness;
There is much good to be found in people
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
That which is good or valuable or useful;
Weigh the good against the bad
Among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified;
Good news from the hospital
A good report card
When she was good she was very very good
A good knife is one good for cutting
This stump will make a good picnic table
A good check
A good joke
A good exterior paint
A good secretary
A good dress for the office
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Promoting or enhancing well-being;
An arms limitation agreement beneficial to all countries
The beneficial effects of a temperate climate
The experience was good for her
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Superior to the average;
In fine spirits
A fine student
Made good grades
Morale was good
Had good weather for the parade
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Of moral excellence;
A genuinely good person
A just cause
An upright and respectable man
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude;
Adept in handicrafts
An adept juggler
An expert job
A good mechanic
A practiced marksman
A proficient engineer
A lesser-known but no less skillful composer
The effect was achieved by skillful retouching
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Having or showing or arising from a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others;
His benevolent smile
A benevolent nature
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Exerting force or influence;
The law is effective immediately
A warranty good for two years
The law is already in effect (or in force)
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
Tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health;
Beneficial effects of a balanced diet
A good night's sleep
The salutary influence of pure air
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Good
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
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Oct 19, 2023
Good
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "good" always better than "satisfactory"?
Yes, "good" typically implies a higher standard than "satisfactory."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can something be both good and satisfactory?
Yes, something can be both if it meets and exceeds basic standards.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can "satisfactory" imply room for improvement?
Yes, it suggests adequacy with potential for betterment.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "good" subjective?
Yes, perceptions of what is good can vary between individuals.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "satisfactory" a negative term?
No, it's neutral, indicating basic standards are met.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does "good" always mean the same level of quality?
No, it can vary depending on context and expectations.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can businesses aim for just satisfactory?
Yes, particularly if meeting standard requirements is the goal.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "satisfactory" a stable state?
It can be, especially in consistently meeting basic requirements.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can "satisfactory" be seen as complacent?
Sometimes, especially if there's a lack of ambition for excellence.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can "satisfactory" change over time?
Yes, as standards and expectations evolve, so does its meaning.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "good" always a compliment?
Generally, yes, but context can influence its implication.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does "satisfactory" always require improvement?
Not always, but it doesn't rule out the possibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is "good" culturally dependent?
Yes, cultural norms can influence what is considered good.
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Nov 18, 2023
Do "good" and "satisfactory" differ in academic grading?
Yes, "good" often means above average, while "satisfactory" is just adequate.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "satisfactory" a goal in customer service?
It can be a minimal goal, but exceeding it is often preferred.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can "good" be overused and lose meaning?
Yes, overuse can dilute its significance.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is "good" a universal term?
While widely understood, interpretations can vary globally.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can "good" be too high a standard sometimes?
Yes, especially in situations where perfection is not realistic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Does "good" imply effort?
Often, it suggests effort leading to positive outcomes.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can "satisfactory" be a comfort zone?
Yes, it can be a safe zone for those avoiding risks or challenges.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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