Good vs. Satisfactory — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 16, 2024
"Good" generally implies a higher level of quality or favorability, often exceeding basic expectations, while "satisfactory" denotes adequacy, meeting basic standards or requirements without excelling.
Difference Between Good and Satisfactory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Quality and Expectation: "Good" often suggests a quality level that surpasses mere adequacy, indicating something is commendable or pleasing. "Satisfactory," however, usually means something meets the minimum required standards, without necessarily implying excellence.
Usage in Evaluation: In evaluations or reviews, labeling something as "good" typically means it has notable merits or advantages. Describing something as "satisfactory" implies it is sufficient or acceptable, but may not stand out.
Connotation and Implication: "Good" carries a positive connotation, often used when expressing approval or satisfaction. "Satisfactory" can have a neutral or mildly positive connotation, indicating that something fulfills its purpose but may not exceed expectations.
Expectation in Different Contexts: In academic or professional settings, "good" often signifies performance above average, whereas "satisfactory" might indicate meeting baseline criteria or expectations.
Perception and Use: The perception of "good" and "satisfactory" can vary based on context. In some cases, "satisfactory" might be the highest attainable rating, while in others, it may suggest the need for improvement.
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Comparison Chart
Quality Level
Exceeds basic expectations
Meets basic standards
Evaluation Usage
Indicates commendable merits
Indicates adequacy, acceptable performance
Connotation
Positive, implying approval
Neutral or mildly positive, adequate
Contextual Expectation
Often above average or notable
Generally baseline or minimum required
Perception and Use
Varied, often seen as favorable
May imply sufficiency or need for improvement
Compare with Definitions
Good
Of high quality or favorable.
She received good feedback on her presentation.
Satisfactory
Acceptable in quality or performance.
The repair job was satisfactory, but nothing more.
Good
Ethically commendable.
He is known for his good character.
Satisfactory
Meeting the required standards or adequate.
The project's results were deemed satisfactory by the committee.
Good
Competent or proficient.
She is a good pianist.
Satisfactory
Fulfilling obligations or requirements.
His work was satisfactory, fulfilling all the listed criteria.
Good
Advantageous or useful.
Regular exercise is good for health.
Satisfactory
Sufficient to meet basic expectations.
Her performance was rated as satisfactory, meeting the necessary standards.
Good
Providing enjoyment or satisfaction.
The concert was really good.
Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a factory simulation game created by Swedish video game developer Coffee Stain Studios. It is a 3D first-person open world exploration and factory building game.
Good
In most contexts, the concept of good denotes the conduct that should be preferred when posed with a choice between possible actions. Good is generally considered to be the opposite of evil, and is of interest in the study of morality, ethics, religion and philosophy.
Satisfactory
Giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement; adequate.
Good
To be desired or approved of
Good! The more people the better!
A good quality of life
It's good that he's back to his old self
Satisfactory
Done to satisfaction; adequate or sufficient.
The satisfactory results of the survey led to his promotion.
Good
Having the required qualities; of a high standard
His marks are just not good enough
A good restaurant
Satisfactory
Causing satisfaction; agreeable or pleasant; satisfying.
Good
Possessing or displaying moral virtue
Her father was a good man
Satisfactory
(theology) Making atonement for a sin; expiatory.
Good
Giving pleasure; enjoyable or satisfying
The streets fill up with people looking for a good time
Satisfactory
Somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.
Good
Thorough
Now is the time to have a really good clear-up
Have a good look around
Satisfactory
The rating given to somebody or something that meets requirements without exceeding them.
Good
Valid
The ticket is good for travel from May to September
Satisfactory
Giving or producing satisfaction; yielding content; especially, relieving the mind from doubt or uncertainty, and enabling it to rest with confidence; sufficient; as, a satisfactory account or explanation.
Good
Used in conjunction with the name of God or a related expression as an exclamation of extreme surprise or anger
Good heavens!
Satisfactory
Making amends, indemnification, or recompense; causing to cease from claims and to rest content; compensating; atoning; as, to make satisfactory compensation, or a satisfactory apology.
A most wise and sufficient means of redemption and salvation, by the satisfactory and meritorious death and obedience of the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Good
That which is morally right; righteousness
A mysterious balance of good and evil
Satisfactory
Giving satisfaction;
Satisfactory living conditions
His grades were satisfactory
Good
Benefit or advantage to someone or something
He is too clever for his own good
He convinces his father to use his genius for the good of mankind
The preservation of old buildings matters because they contribute to the general public good
Satisfactory
Meeting requirements;
The step makes a satisfactory seat
Good
Merchandise or possessions
Imports of luxury goods
The market price of an agricultural good
Stolen goods
Satisfactory
Adequate but not exceptional.
The meal was satisfactory, though not remarkable.
Good
Well
I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered
My mother could never cook this good
Good
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor
A good experience.
Good news from the hospital.
Good
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing
A good exterior paint.
A good joke.
Good
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable
Is this a good dress for the party?.
Good
Not spoiled or ruined
The milk is still good.
Good
In excellent condition; sound
A good tooth.
Good
Superior to the average; satisfactory
A good student.
Good
Used formerly to refer to the US Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Good
Of high quality
Good books.
Good
Discriminating
Good taste.
Good
Of moral excellence; upright
A good person.
Good
Benevolent; kind
A good soul.
A good heart.
Good
Loyal; staunch
A good Republican.
Good
Well-behaved; obedient
A good child.
Good
Socially correct; proper
Good manners.
Good
Worthy of respect; honorable
Ruined the family's good name.
Good
Attractive; handsome
Good looks.
Good
Beneficial to health; salutary
A good night's rest.
Good
Competent; skilled
A good machinist.
Good
Complete; thorough
A good workout.
Good
Reliable; sure
A good investment.
Good
Valid or true
A good reason.
Good
Genuine; real
A good dollar bill.
Good
In effect; operative
A warranty good for two years.
A driver's license that is still good.
Good
Ready or able for a specified or assumed activity
I'm good for another round of golf.
Good
Able to pay or contribute
Is she good for the money that you lent her?.
Good
Able to elicit a specified reaction
He is always good for a laugh.
Good
Ample; substantial
A good income.
Good
Bountiful
A good table.
Good
Full
It is a good mile from here.
Good
Pleasant; enjoyable
Had a good time at the party.
Good
Propitious; favorable
Good weather.
A good omen.
Good
Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play
The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
Good
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Good
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay
Good heavens! Good grief!.
Good
Something that is good.
Good
A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.
Good
Welfare; benefit
For the common good.
Good
Goodness; virtue
There is much good to be found in people.
Good
A product that is bought and sold
Frozen goods.
Good
Goods Portable personal property.
Good
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
Good
Goods(Slang) Incriminating information or evidence
Tried to get the goods on the crook.
Good
Well.
Good
(of people)
Good
Acting in the interest of what is beneficial, ethical, or moral.
Good intentions
Good
Competent or talented.
A good swimmer
Good
Able to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; of unimpaired credit; used with for.
Can you lend me fifty dollars? You know I'm good for it.
Good
Well-behaved (especially of children or animals).
Be good while your mother and I are out.
Were you a good boy for the babysitter?
Good
(US) Satisfied or at ease; not requiring more.
Would you like a glass of water? — I'm good.
[Are] you good? — Yeah, I'm fine.
Gimme another beer! — I think you're good.
Good
Accepting of, OK with
My mother said she's good with me being alone with my date as long as she's met them first.
The soup is rather spicy. Are you good with that, or would you like something else?
Good
(archaic) Of high rank or birth.
Good
(of capabilities)
Good
Useful for a particular purpose; functional.
It’s a good watch;
The flashlight batteries are still good
Good
Effective.
A good worker
Good
(obsolete) Real; actual; serious.
In good sooth
Good
(properties and qualities)
Good
(of food)
Good
Of food or other perishable products, still fit for use; not yet expired, stale, rotten, etc.
The bread is still good.
Good
Valid, of worth, capable of being honoured.
This coupon is good for a free doughnut.
Good
True, valid, of explanatory strength.
This theory still holds good even if much higher temperatures are assumed.
Good
Healthful.
Exercise and a varied diet are good for you.
Good
Pleasant; enjoyable.
We had a good time.
Good
Favourable.
A good omen;
Good weather
Good
Unblemished; honourable.
A person's good name
Good
Beneficial; worthwhile.
A good job
Good
Adequate; sufficient; not fallacious.
Good
Very, extremely. See good and.
The soup is good and hot.
Good
(colloquial) Ready
I'm good when you are.
The reports are good to go.
Good
Holy especially when capitalized .
Good Friday, Good Wednesday, the Good Book
Good
(of quantities)
Good
Reasonable in amount.
All in good time
Good
Large in amount or size.
A good while longer;
A good number of seeds;
A good part of his day was spent shopping.
It will be a good while longer until he's done.
He's had a good amount of troubles, he has.
Good
Full; entire; at least as much as.
This hill will take a good hour and a half to climb.
The car was a good ten miles away.
Good
That is good; an elliptical exclamation of satisfaction or commendation.
Good! I can leave now.
Good
(nonstandard) Well; satisfactorily or thoroughly.
The boy done good. (did well)
Good
(uncountable) The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.
Good
(countable) A result that is positive in the view of the speaker.
Good
(uncountable) The abstract instantiation of goodness; that which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.
The best is the enemy of the good.
He is an influence for good on those girls.
Good
An item of merchandise.
Good
To thrive; fatten; prosper; improve.
Good
(transitive) To make good; turn to good; improve.
Good
(intransitive) To make improvements or repairs.
Good
(intransitive) To benefit; gain.
Good
(transitive) To do good to (someone); benefit; cause to improve or gain.
Good
(transitive) To satisfy; indulge; gratify.
Good
(reflexive) To flatter; congratulate oneself; anticipate.
Good
To furnish with dung; manure; fatten with manure; fertilise.
Good
Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Good company, good wine, good welcome.
Good
Possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; - said of persons or actions.
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.
Good
Kind; benevolent; humane; merciful; gracious; polite; propitious; friendly; well-disposed; - often followed by to or toward, also formerly by unto.
The men were very good unto us.
Good
Serviceable; suited; adapted; suitable; of use; to be relied upon; - followed especially by for.
All quality that is good for anything is founded originally in merit.
Good
Clever; skillful; dexterous; ready; handy; - followed especially by at.
He . . . is a good workman; a very good tailor.
Those are generally good at flattering who are good for nothing else.
Good
Adequate; sufficient; competent; sound; not fallacious; valid; in a commercial sense, to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; having pecuniary ability; of unimpaired credit.
My reasons are both good and weighty.
My meaning in saying he is a good man is . . . that he is sufficient . . . I think I may take his bond.
Good
Real; actual; serious; as in the phrases in good earnest; in good sooth.
Love no man in good earnest.
Good
Not small, insignificant, or of no account; considerable; esp., in the phrases a good deal, a good way, a good degree, a good share or part, etc.
Good
Not lacking or deficient; full; complete.
Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.
Good
Not blemished or impeached; fair; honorable; unsullied; as in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, etc.
A good name is better than precious ointment
The good woman never died after this, till she came to die for good and all.
Distinguished by good humor and good breeding.
My father always said I was born to be a good for nothing.
The good nature and generosity which belonged to his character.
The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics.
The good will of a trade is nothing more than the probability that the old customers will resort to the old place.
Each word made good and true.
Of no power to make his wishes good.
I . . . would by combat make her good.
Convenient numbers to make good the city.
If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear.
Good
That which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.; - opposed to evil.
There be many that say, Who will show us any good ?
Good
Advancement of interest or happiness; welfare; prosperity; advantage; benefit; - opposed to harm, etc.
The good of the whole community can be promoted only by advancing the good of each of the members composing it.
Good
Wares; commodities; chattels; - formerly used in the singular in a collective sense. In law, a comprehensive name for almost all personal property as distinguished from land or real property.
He hath made us spend much good.
Thy lands and goodsAre, by the laws of Venice, confiscateUnto the state of Venice.
Good
Well, - especially in the phrase as good, with a following as expressed or implied; equally well with as much advantage or as little harm as possible.
As good almost kill a man as kill a good book.
They who counsel ye to such a suppressing, do as good as bid ye suppress yourselves.
Good
To make good; to turn to good.
Good
To manure; to improve.
Good
Benefit;
For your own good
What's the good of worrying?
Good
Moral excellence or admirableness;
There is much good to be found in people
Good
That which is good or valuable or useful;
Weigh the good against the bad
Among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization
Good
Having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified;
Good news from the hospital
A good report card
When she was good she was very very good
A good knife is one good for cutting
This stump will make a good picnic table
A good check
A good joke
A good exterior paint
A good secretary
A good dress for the office
Good
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
Good
Morally admirable
Good
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
Good
Promoting or enhancing well-being;
An arms limitation agreement beneficial to all countries
The beneficial effects of a temperate climate
The experience was good for her
Good
Superior to the average;
In fine spirits
A fine student
Made good grades
Morale was good
Had good weather for the parade
Good
Agreeable or pleasing;
We all had a good time
Good manners
Good
Of moral excellence;
A genuinely good person
A just cause
An upright and respectable man
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous
Good
Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude;
Adept in handicrafts
An adept juggler
An expert job
A good mechanic
A practiced marksman
A proficient engineer
A lesser-known but no less skillful composer
The effect was achieved by skillful retouching
Good
Thorough;
Had a good workout
Gave the house a good cleaning
Good
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Good
Having or showing or arising from a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others;
His benevolent smile
A benevolent nature
Good
Financially sound;
A good investment
A secure investment
Good
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Good
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
Good
Exerting force or influence;
The law is effective immediately
A warranty good for two years
The law is already in effect (or in force)
Good
Feeling healthy and free of aches and pains;
I feel good
Good
Capable of pleasing;
Good looks
Good
Appealing to the mind;
Good music
A serious book
Good
In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body
Good
Tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health;
Beneficial effects of a balanced diet
A good night's sleep
The salutary influence of pure air
Good
Not forged;
A good dollar bill
Good
Not left to spoil;
The meat is still good
Good
Generally admired;
Good taste
Good
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
Good
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
Common Curiosities
What does "good" imply in terms of quality?
It implies a level of quality or favorability that exceeds basic standards.
Does "good" indicate a higher standard than "satisfactory"?
Yes, "good" generally indicates a higher standard.
Is "good" subjective in evaluation?
Yes, the perception of what is "good" can vary based on individual or contextual standards.
Can a product be "good" but not "satisfactory"?
Usually, if a product is "good," it is also "satisfactory," but specific criteria or expectations might vary.
Is "satisfactory" considered a positive evaluation?
It's considered neutral or mildly positive, indicating adequacy.
In academic grading, what does "satisfactory" signify?
It signifies meeting the basic criteria or standards, but not excelling.
Can a "satisfactory" performance require improvement?
While it meets basic standards, there may be room for improvement.
In customer service, what does a "satisfactory" rating mean?
It means the service met customers' expectations but did not exceed them.
How does "good" compare to "excellent"?
"Good" is a level below "excellent," which implies a higher degree of quality or performance.
How is "good" used in everyday language?
It's commonly used to express approval, satisfaction, or quality.
Can "good" be used to describe moral actions?
Yes, "good" often denotes ethical or morally commendable actions.
Is a "good" outcome always satisfactory?
Generally, a "good" outcome is satisfactory, but specific goals or standards might differ.
Does "satisfactory" mean the same in all cultures?
Cultural perceptions of what is "satisfactory" can vary, influenced by different standards or expectations.
Can "satisfactory" imply mediocrity?
In some contexts, it might imply mediocrity, especially when higher performance is expected.
Is "satisfactory" enough for competitive industries?
In competitive settings, exceeding "satisfactory" may be necessary to stand out.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
