WordGarden.iosatisfaction
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˌætɪsfˈækʃən/
US
- /ˌsætəsˈfækʃən/
Meanings
Noun
pleasure or contentment when a desire, need, or expectation is met
the act or fact of meeting a need, demand, condition, or standard
payment, redress, or formal discharge of a debt, claim, or judgment
Beyond the definition
Satisfaction isn't just about getting what you want; it's the warm feeling that settles in when your needs are met or when you've done something well. Think of a chef tasting their dish and smiling because it came out just right. Or imagine finishing a long hike; the ache in your muscles is softened by the good feeling of having reached the end.
It can be brief, like enjoying a delicious meal, or long-lasting, like the feeling that comes from meaningful work or close relationships. It's often tied to expectations: if something turns out even better than you hoped, the feeling is stronger. You might see "satisfaction guaranteed" in business as a promise that customers will be pleased, and in older stories, someone might "demand satisfaction," meaning they want a wrong to be made right.
Satisfaction is a complex emotion that includes contentment, pleasure, and fulfillment. It arises when our expectations are met or exceeded, whether through achieving a goal, receiving something desired, or experiencing something enjoyable. For example: "She felt immense satisfaction after completing the marathon," or "The customer expressed their satisfaction with the service."
However, satisfaction isn't always about grand achievements. It can be found in simple pleasures: the satisfaction of a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning or the satisfaction of helping someone in need. It's deeply personal; what brings one person satisfaction might not resonate with another.
The word also has a more forceful meaning, particularly historically. To "demand satisfaction" meant to demand redress for an insult or wrong—often through a duel! This usage reflects a desire to restore balance and honor, seeking a resolution that feels right to the aggrieved party.
In business, "satisfaction guaranteed" is a common phrase used to build trust with customers, promising they will be happy with their purchase. Psychologists also study "job satisfaction" as a critical factor in employee well-being and productivity.
So, whether it's the quiet contentment of a peaceful moment or the triumphant feeling of a major accomplishment, satisfaction represents a state of being where needs are met, expectations are fulfilled, and a sense of wholeness prevails.
Examples
- 1
Finished work
She looked at the finished cake with satisfaction.
- 2
Customer feedback
The company tracks customer satisfaction every month.
- 3
Product experience
He never felt much satisfaction with his new phone, so he returned it.
- Patternsatisfaction with + thing
being pleased with it
- 4
Helping others
I get a lot of satisfaction from helping new students.
- Patternget satisfaction from + activity
feel pleasure or pride because of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meaningful work
Teaching gave her a sense of satisfaction that money never could.
- 6
Approval
The repairs were finally completed to everyone's satisfaction.
- Patternto someone's satisfaction
in a way that makes them satisfied
- 7
Work feeling
Even with a higher salary, he still lacked job satisfaction.
- Phrasejob satisfaction
the feeling that your work is useful or enjoyable
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- pleasure
- sense of accomplishment
- self-satisfaction
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- customer satisfaction
- job satisfaction
- satisfaction with
- take satisfaction in
Word family
Explore
- well-being
- expectation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- satisfactionnoun
Forms
- satisfactionspluralnoun