Satisfaction

/ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/

nounmedium🔥Very CommonEmotion
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The state of being pleased because something you want has happened or been achieved.

/ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/

nounpositivemedium
Emotion

The fulfillment of a need or want.

She felt a deep satisfaction after completing the project.

💡 Simply: Satisfaction is like the feeling you get when you finally finish a fun game, eat your favorite ice cream, or get a good grade on a test. It means you got what you wanted and are happy about it!

👶 For kids: Feeling happy when you get something you wanted.

More Examples

2

The customer's satisfaction is our top priority.

3

He derived satisfaction from his volunteer work.

How It's Used

Business

"Customer satisfaction is a key metric for measuring success."

Psychology

"He found satisfaction in helping others."

2

The payment of a debt or the fulfillment of an obligation or claim.

/ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/

nounneutralAdvanced
Action

Payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.

The satisfaction of the mortgage allowed them to own their home outright.

💡 Simply: Imagine you owe a friend money. Satisfaction is like paying them back – it's when you do what's needed to fix things or meet a requirement, like paying a bill.

👶 For kids: When you do what you need to do to make things right, like paying money back.

More Examples

2

The company ensured satisfaction of all outstanding invoices.

3

After the satisfaction of the contract, the project was complete.

How It's Used

Legal

"The court ordered satisfaction of the judgment."

Financial

"The bank required proof of debt satisfaction."

Tip:Think of 'satisfying' a bill by paying it in full.

Idioms & expressions

job satisfaction

The extent to which people are content with their jobs.

"High job satisfaction can lead to greater productivity."

Instant gratification

The desire to experience pleasure or fulfillment immediately, rather than delaying it.

"Many people are used to instant gratification in a world of fast food and immediate online access."

From Middle French satisfaction, from Latin satisfactio (“a making satisfaction, atonement, amends”), from satis (“enough”) + factio (“a making, a doing”).

The word 'satisfaction' has been used since the 14th century to describe the fulfillment of a desire or the act of satisfying a requirement. It also has been used to describe a repayment of debt or atonement for wrongdoing.

Memory tip

Think of a satisfied sigh after a good meal: everything's fulfilled.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"The act of doing enough or making enough to fulfill a need or obligation"

customer satisfactionjob satisfactionsense of satisfactioncomplete satisfactiontotal satisfaction

Common misspellings

satisfaktionsatisfacshunsatisfactoin

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written