Satisfactory and satisfying are two adjectives that are often confused. Satisfactory means that something is acceptable or meets expectations, whereas satisfying means that something is gratifying or rewarding.
Your results are satisfactory. You’re progressing at the right pace.
This drink is very satisfying. It has quenched [1] my thirst.
Your attitude is not satisfactory. I’m very disappointed with your attitude.
I didn’t find the end of the movie satisfying. It didn’t resolve the conflict between the protagonists.
Instead of adding not before these adjectives, we can add the prefix un- to make its opposite.
Your attitude is unsatisfactory.
The end of the movie was unsatisfying.
We use both satisfactory and satisfying to refer to characteristics, when we refer to feelings we use satisfied. Satisfied can be used to mean either satisfactory or satisfying.
I was satisfied with the end of the movie. = I found the end of the movie satisfying.
I was satisfied with the room service. = The room service was satisfactory.
Notice that we use the preposition with between satisfied and an object. For the opposite meaning, we can add the prefix un- or dis- to satisfied, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Dissatisfied means unhappy, whereas unsatisfied means unfulfilled [2].
I was dissatisfied with the service. The waiters were forgetful [3] and rude [4].
I am unsatisfied with the food. The small portions have left me hungry.
Well, I hope this explanation satisfies [5] your doubts!
[1] saciado, [2] frustrado, [3] olvidadizos, [4] maleducados, [5] satisface
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