Dissatisfactorily

/ˌdɪsætɪsˈfæktərɪli/ adverb

Definition

In a manner that fails to satisfy; in an unsatisfactory or disappointing way.

Etymology

From 'dissatisfactory' (adjective) plus the adverbial suffix '-ly.' The base adjective combines 'dis-' with 'satisfactory,' negating the positive quality of being satisfying.

Kelly Says

This is a wonderfully long word that takes eight syllables to say 'not satisfactorily'—English speakers sometimes create these lengthy negations instead of using simpler opposites, possibly because the negation feels more formal or official!

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