What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
displeasing
Example
The food was displeasing to my taste buds. [displeasing: adjective]
Example
The movie's ending was quite displeasing, leaving the audience unsatisfied. [displeasing: gerund or present participle]
unsatisfactory
Example
The report was deemed unsatisfactory by the supervisor due to its lack of detail. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
Example
The service at the restaurant was unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor review. [unsatisfactory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsatisfactory is more commonly used than displeasing in everyday language. Unsatisfactory is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while displeasing is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between displeasing and unsatisfactory?
Both displeasing and unsatisfactory are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
