unsatisfactory
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unsatisfactory
Something that does not produce the expected or desired results and leaves a feeling of dissatisfaction.
Das Ergebnis des Gesprächs war für beide Seiten unbefriedigend.
The outcome of the conversation was unsatisfactory for both sides.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'befriedigend' (satisfactory). 'Befriedigend' is derived from 'Frieden' (peace) and means 'satisfactory'. So 'unbefriedigend' (unsatisfactory) literally means 'not satisfactory'.
Für die Mitarbeiter war die vage Ankündigung der Chefin unbefriedigend.
For the employees, the boss's vague announcement was unsatisfactory.
To express who has the feeling of dissatisfaction, the preposition 'für' + accusative is often used. The structure is then: 'Etwas ist für jemanden unbefriedigend.' (Something is unsatisfactory for someone.)
Diese unklare Antwort war für mich sehr unbefriedigend.
This unclear answer was very unsatisfactory for me.
'Unbefriedigend' (unsatisfactory) often describes abstract results or situations. Common combinations are: 'ein unbefriedigendes Ergebnis' (an unsatisfactory result), 'eine unbefriedigende Lösung' (an unsatisfactory solution), 'eine unbefriedigende Situation' (an unsatisfactory situation), or 'eine unbefriedigende Antwort' (an unsatisfactory answer).
Der Kompromiss war eine für alle Beteiligten unbefriedigende Lösung.
The compromise was an unsatisfactory solution for everyone involved.
bad
'schlecht' and 'unbefriedigend' can both express that something is not good enough. 'schlecht' is more general and more direct. You can use it to evaluate many things, for example quality, work, or results. 'unbefriedigend' is more precise when a result does not deliver what was expected or hoped for. It often sounds more objective and is commonly used in reports, conversations, or evaluations. A result can be 'unbefriedigend' even if not everything about it is completely bad.
Das Ergebnis der Besprechung war unbefriedigend, weil keine Lösung gefunden wurde.
The outcome of the meeting was unsatisfactory because no solution was found.
Julian hat einen schlechten Plan für den Ausflug gemacht.
Julian made a bad plan for the trip.