unsatisfy
|un-sat-is-fy|
/ˌʌnˈsætɪsfaɪ/
not fulfilling
Etymology
'unsatisfy' originates from English, specifically formed from the negative prefix 'un-' and the verb 'satisfy'; 'un-' meant 'not' and 'satisfy' ultimately comes from Old French 'satisfier' and Latin 'satisfacere' (from Latin 'satis' meaning 'enough' and 'facere' meaning 'to make/do').
'unsatisfy' was formed in English by adding the prefix 'un-' to Middle English 'satisfien'/'satisfy' (which came via Old French 'satisfier' from Latin 'satisfacere'), and it evolved into the modern English verb 'unsatisfy'.
Initially, the root 'satisfy' meant 'to make enough' or 'to fulfill a need'; over time it evolved to mean 'to cause contentment or fulfillment', and 'unsatisfy' developed the opposite sense 'to cause not to be satisfied' or 'to fail to meet requirements'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to fail to satisfy; to cause (someone) not to feel satisfied or content; to disappoint.
The vague explanation will only unsatisfy the customers who wanted clear answers.
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Verb 2
to not meet a requirement or condition (i.e., to be inadequate for a standard or expectation).
Several aspects of the design unsatisfy the safety regulations and must be revised.
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Last updated: 2025/12/22 16:13