The Adverb of Satisfactory: Satisfactorily
The adverb of satisfactory is satisfactorily.
How satisfactorily is formed
Consonant plus -y, so the y becomes i: satisfactory → satisfactori + ly = satisfactorily.
The standard -y rule, the same one behind clumsy → clumsily and steady → steadily. The word simply happens to be long enough that the rule is easy to lose track of.
Satisfactorily in a sentence
| The complaint was resolved satisfactorily. | To an acceptable standard. |
| The work has been completed satisfactorily. | Common in reports and assessments. |
| He could not explain it satisfactorily. | Not well enough to settle the question. |
Where it is actually used
Knowing the form is one thing; knowing the company a word keeps is what makes it sound natural. These are the patterns satisfactorily appears in most often.
| resolved / settled satisfactorily | Complaints, disputes, negotiations. |
| completed / performed satisfactorily | Assessments and formal reports. |
| explained / answered satisfactorily | Usually in the negative: not explained satisfactorily. |
Satisfactorily or something else?
Several adverbs sit close to satisfactorily, and the difference is usually meaning rather than formality.
| adequately | Shorter and means much the same. Usually the better choice. |
| properly | About being done the right way rather than to a sufficient standard. |
| acceptably | Focuses on what the other party will accept. |
The mistake to watch for
| Incorrect | Correct |
| satisfactorly | satisfactorily |
The i is easy to drop because the word already has six syllables. Count them out loud – sat-is-fac-to-ri-ly – and the missing letter becomes obvious.
Length is a real cost. Six syllables slow a sentence down, and the matter was resolved satisfactorily rarely reads better than the matter was resolved. Keep the word for places where the standard being met is the point – assessments, contracts, formal complaints – and drop it elsewhere.
Related forms
Pronunciation: sat-is-FAK-tuh-ri-lee, six syllables. It is one of the longest adverbs in ordinary use.
| Adjective | satisfactory |
| Adverb | satisfactorily |
| Noun | satisfaction |
| Verb | satisfy |
Practice
Fill the gap, then check yourself.
- The issue was dealt with ___.
- The equipment was maintained ___.
- She has not answered the question ___.
Answers: 1. satisfactorily 2. properly / adequately 3. satisfactorily
Frequently asked
Is satisfyingly the same word?
No. Satisfactorily means to an acceptable standard; satisfyingly means in a way that gives pleasure. The plot resolved satisfyingly and the complaint was resolved satisfactorily are quite different claims.
