German word

unbefriedigend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnbəˌfʁiːdɪgn̩t/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunsatisfactory

Example

Der Service ist unbefriedigender als erwartet.

The service is less satisfactory than expected.

Illustration for unbefriedigend (unsatisfactory)

More examples

Das Feedback war unbefriedigend formuliert.

The feedback was phrased unsatisfactorily.

Core concept

A result falls short of the expected standard, leaving a clear gap between what was hoped for and what was delivered.

Common phrases

  • unbefriedigender Service

    unsatisfactory service

  • ein unbefriedigendes Resultat

    an unsatisfactory result

Similar words

unzufrieden: Feeling dissatisfied with a situation, result, or service.
unzureichend: Not sufficient to meet the required standard or fulfill a need.
enttäuscht: Feeling let down because hopes or expectations were not met.
enttäuschend: Causing disappointment by turning out worse than expected.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet eine Sache oder Leistung, die Erwartungen nicht erfüllt und deshalb als unzureichend gilt.

Word origin

The word combines the negative prefix un- with befriedigend, the participial adjective of befriedigen, a verb historically related to Frieden and now meaning satisfy.

Usage tips

  • Unbefriedigend usually evaluates a thing, result, or service, whereas unzufrieden usually describes a person's dissatisfaction.

Other meanings

  • disappointingadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word