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Satisfactory vs. Satisfying: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Satisfactory" implies adequacy and meeting standards, while "satisfying" denotes pleasure or fulfillment.
Satisfactory vs. Satisfying

Key Differences

"Satisfactory" is used to describe something that fulfills requirements or expectations to an acceptable level, but without exceeding them. It often connotes a sense of adequacy. In contrast, "satisfying" carries a more personal and emotional connotation, referring to something that provides a sense of pleasure, fulfillment, or contentment. It's about the emotional impact rather than just meeting standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
When we say something is "satisfactory," we imply it meets the minimum criteria or standards. It's often used in formal or official contexts, like in evaluations or assessments. On the other hand, "satisfying" suggests a subjective experience of enjoyment or fulfillment. It's used when something not only meets but often exceeds expectations on a personal level, providing a sense of gratification.
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Nov 13, 2023
In an educational context, a "satisfactory" grade signifies that the student has met the basic requirements, but it doesn’t imply excellence. Conversely, a "satisfying" learning experience would be one that is enriching, enjoyable, and goes beyond mere academic achievement. "Satisfying" carries a positive emotional resonance that "satisfactory" lacks.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
In customer service, a "satisfactory" experience means that the service met the basic expectations, but it may not necessarily lead to customer loyalty. A "satisfying" experience, however, implies that the customer felt a sense of pleasure or happiness from the service, which is more likely to foster repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
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Nov 13, 2023

Comparison Chart

Emotion

Neutral, implies adequacy
Positive, implies pleasure
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Expectation

Meets basic standards
Exceeds expectations
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Usage

Often formal or official
Generally subjective or personal
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Connotation

Adequacy, sufficiency
Fulfillment, contentment
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Implication

Minimum criteria met
Emotional gratification
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Satisfactory and Satisfying Definitions

Satisfactory

Fair to middling
His performance was deemed satisfactory, neither poor nor outstanding.
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Nov 13, 2023
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Satisfying

Meeting expectations in a pleasing way
His explanation was satisfying, clearing all doubts.
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Nov 13, 2023

Satisfactory

Acceptable in quality
The hotel's accommodations were satisfactory, clean and functional.
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Satisfying

Gratifying a desire or need
The meal was satisfying, perfectly hitting the spot.
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Satisfactory

Meeting basic requirements
Her work was satisfactory, completing all the listed tasks.
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Satisfying

Eliciting contentment
The long hike was satisfying, rewarding us with stunning views.
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Satisfactory

Sufficient for a specific need
The repair work was satisfactory, ensuring the car was safe to drive.
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Satisfying

Providing pleasure or fulfillment
The novel was satisfying, leaving me feeling content.
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Nov 13, 2023

Satisfactory

Giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement; adequate.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

Emotionally rewarding
Volunteering at the shelter was a satisfying experience.
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Satisfactory

Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.
The satisfactory results of the survey led to his promotion.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

To fulfill the need, desire, or expectation of
Were you satisfied with the hotel's service?.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfactory

Causing satisfaction; agreeable or pleasant; satisfying.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

To fulfill (a need or desire)
The cold drink satisfied my thirst.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfactory

(theology) Making atonement for a sin; expiatory.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

To free from doubt or question; convince
His explanation satisfied the authorities.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfactory

Somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

To provide sufficient explanation to dispel or answer (a doubt or question).
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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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Satisfying

To meet or be sufficient for (a requirement); conform to the requirements of (a standard, for example)
Only two people satisfied the researcher's profile for the study.
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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

Satisfying

To discharge (a debt or obligation, for example) in full.
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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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Satisfying

To discharge an obligation to (a creditor).
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Satisfactory

Giving satisfaction;
Satisfactory living conditions
His grades were satisfactory
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Satisfying

To make reparation for; redress.
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Satisfactory

Meeting requirements;
The step makes a satisfactory seat
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

(Mathematics) To make the left and right sides of (an equation) equal after substituting equivalent quantities for the unknown variables.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfactory

Adequate but not exceptional
The meal was satisfactory, fulfilling our hunger but not memorable.
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Nov 13, 2023

Satisfying

To be sufficient or adequate.
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Oct 19, 2023

Satisfying

To give satisfaction.
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Satisfying

That satisfies, gratifies or pleases; that removes any feeling of lack.
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Satisfying

Pleasing to certain sensory#Adjective channels in neurocognition#Noun, especially auditory#Adjective and tactile#Adjective ones synesthetically via ASMR.
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Satisfying

Giving pleasure or satisfaction
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Satisfying

Providing abundant nourishment;
A hearty meal
Good solid food
Ate a substantial breakfast
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Satisfying

Providing freedom from worry
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can a product be both satisfactory and satisfying?

Yes, if it meets standards and also provides personal contentment.
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Is "satisfactory" a positive term?

It's neutral, indicating adequacy but not excellence.
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Nov 13, 2023

Can "satisfying" be used in formal assessments?

It's less common in formal contexts, being more subjective.
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Nov 13, 2023

Does "satisfactory" imply improvement is needed?

Not necessarily, it means requirements are met, but there's room for enhancement.
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Nov 13, 2023

Is "satisfying" always related to personal feelings?

Yes, it usually relates to individual pleasure or fulfillment.
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Nov 13, 2023

Is "satisfactory" ever used in a negative sense?

It can imply mediocrity, suggesting something is just adequate.
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Nov 13, 2023

Can an experience be satisfying but not satisfactory?

Yes, if it's enjoyable but doesn't meet certain standards or criteria.
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Are there synonyms for "satisfactory"?

Adequate, sufficient, acceptable.
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How do educators use "satisfactory"?

To denote that a student has met basic learning criteria.
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Is "satisfactory" subjective or objective?

It's more objective, based on set standards.
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Can "satisfactory" change based on context?

Yes, standards for what's satisfactory can vary.
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Nov 13, 2023

What are some synonyms for "satisfying"?

Pleasing, gratifying, fulfilling.
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Nov 13, 2023

Is "satisfactory" a fixed assessment?

It can vary over time and with changing standards.
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Nov 13, 2023

Does "satisfactory" have different meanings in different cultures?

Cultural norms can influence what is considered satisfactory.
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Nov 13, 2023

Is "satisfying" used in business contexts?

Yes, often related to customer experiences or personal job satisfaction.
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Can food be described as satisfying?

Yes, especially if it fulfills cravings or is particularly enjoyable.
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Can art be satisfying?

Absolutely, if it evokes emotional responses.
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Can a vacation be satisfying?

Yes, if it provides relaxation and enjoyment.
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Does "satisfying" imply long-term contentment?

It can, but often refers to immediate emotional gratification.
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Is a "satisfactory" rating in the workplace good?

It's acceptable but suggests potential for improvement.
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Nov 13, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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