English Reference
adjective · verb

satisfying

adj. · v.
US /ˈsætɪsˌfaɪɪŋ/ UK /sˈætɪsfˌaɪɪŋ/ sat·is·fy·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.giving you a sense of pleasure or happiness because you have achieved or received what you wanted.

    adj.providing fulfillment or gratification by meeting a requirement, desire, or expectation.

    Simple

    It was very satisfying to finally finish the difficult puzzle after three days.

    In context

    The team found it deeply satisfying to see their long-term research project finally receive international recognition from the scientific community.

    Pitfall
    I am very satisfying with my new job. I am very satisfied with my new job.

    Use 'satisfying' for the thing that causes the feeling (the job) and 'satisfied' for the person who has the feeling (you).

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adj.describing something that feels, looks, or sounds perfect in a way that is relaxing to watch or hear.

    adj.evoking a specific neurocognitive pleasure through sensory input, often characterized by order, precision, or tactile smoothness.

    Simple

    Watching the baker cut the dough into perfect circles is strangely satisfying.

    In context

    The video featured a series of satisfying clips, such as hydraulic presses crushing objects and paint being mixed into perfectly uniform shades.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of giving someone what they need or making a requirement true.

    v.the present participle or gerund of 'satisfy', referring to the act of fulfilling a condition or providing what is required.

    Simple

    Satisfying all the entry requirements for the university took a lot of hard work.

    In context

    By satisfying the strict safety criteria set by the regulators, the company was able to launch its product ahead of the competition.

    Usage

    Often used as a gerund acting as the subject of a sentence.


From satisfy + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated