What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unsatisfactory
Example
The quality of the work was unsatisfactory and did not meet our standards. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
Example
The company's response to the customer complaint was unsatisfactory and did not address the issue. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
deficient
Example
The report was deficient in providing adequate evidence to support the claim. [deficient: adjective]
Example
The equipment was found to be deficient in meeting the safety standards. [deficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsatisfactory is more common in everyday language than deficient, which is more formal and technical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unsatisfactory and deficient?
Deficient is more formal and technical than unsatisfactory, making it suitable for use in academic or professional contexts where precision and accuracy are essential.
