Word
satisfying
Phoneticssat·is·fy·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsætɪsˌfaɪɪŋ/
UK/sˈætɪsfˌaɪɪŋ/
Definitions
01pleasing or fulfilling
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.
“It was very satisfying to finally finish the difficult puzzle after three days.”
“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).
Synonyms
Antonyms
02sensory pleasure
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.
“Watching the baker cut the dough into perfect circles is strangely satisfying.”
“The video featured a series of satisfying clips, such as hydraulic presses crushing objects and paint being mixed into perfectly uniform shades.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03meeting a need
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.
“Satisfying all the entry requirements for the university took a lot of hard work.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From satisfy + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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