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.
insufficient
Unzureichend states that something is not sufficient for a specific need or requirement. Unbefriedigend judges a result as disappointing and emphasizes the lack of satisfaction. Unzureichend is appropriate for the objective failure to reach a necessary level; unbefriedigend is used for an assessment based on expectations.
Die Heizleistung ist für uns unbefriedigend, weil der Raum trotz der hohen Kosten kühl bleibt.
The heating capacity is unsatisfactory for us because the room remains cool despite the high costs.
Die Heizleistung ist unzureichend, um den großen Raum warm zu halten.
The heating capacity is insufficient to keep the large room warm.
