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Ana laura Apr 28th, 2009 09:31 pm

unsatisfactory/unsatisfying
 
Hello

Do these adjectives mean the same when referring to a performance at work or a job?

Her performance at work was considered unsatisfactory/unsatisfying and her contract was not renewed.

Thank you very much.

susan53 Apr 29th, 2009 03:32 am

Re: unsatisfactory/unsatisfying
 
No - they're different. Here only unsatisfactory is correct.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory means that something does or doesn't meet a standard, probably set by other people than the person involved. So here, it's the company which has decided the performance standard, and they're saying that this person's performance doesn't met it - in other words isn't good enough. Here are some examples - you can see that the meaning is always " It's not good enough":

--If the order is unsatisfactory, return unworn/unused within 7 days, and
--But can't we do something about this unsatisfactory situation?
--It is a thoroughly unsatisfactory piece concerning a literary agent who
--Mr Nelson Mandela, has also rejected as unsatisfactory the proposed ministerial investigation.
--the Ministry of Defence's complacent and unsatisfactory response to the sinking.


Satisfying/Unsatisfying is different. It means that the person involved does or doesn't get satisfaction from something. Here are some examples :

--binge-eating may be provoked by a new or unsatisfying job,
--they fear rejection, and put up with an unsatisfying relationship because they
-- of a dating agency were put to sleep after unsatisfying pilot episodes.
--with the evidence about the dramatically unsatisfying, but probable cause of his death
--and rioting - is caused as much by people's unsatisfying home lives as by lack of work.

So - someone might find a job unsatisfying. But other people would find their performance unsatisfactory.

I hope you find this a satisfactory response ? :)

Ana laura Apr 30th, 2009 08:52 am

Re: unsatisfactory/unsatisfying
 
Yes! That's a subtle difference

Thank you very much!

Amerloquegirl May 3rd, 2009 04:42 am

Re: unsatisfactory/unsatisfying
 
Well put, Susan53.


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