``Satisfactory'' is only negative in a context in which there is a range of possible grades (used broadly, not just to mean in a school) and ``satisfactory'' is commonly understood to be not very good. Literally, ``satisfactory'' means satisfying the requirements in question.
OK, all right, ample, appeasing, assuaging, assuasive, average, cogent, comfortable, competent, cool, delighting, enough, fulfilling, good enough, groovy, passable, peachy, pleasing, sound, sufficing, unexceptional, up to snuff.
If something's satisfactory it's okay — acceptable, but maybe not great. When you take a course pass/fail, your grade will be satisfactory if you meet all the requirements and do a reasonable job, or unsatisfactory if you don't.
"Satisfactory" means that something is adequate, or acceptable. Whereas "satisfying" means that something meets your needs or requirements and has positive associations.
While most people would agree that “good” is better than “satisfactory,” they'd have a hard time explaining exactly what the difference is between these two terms. After all, if we consider a metric's current value to be “good,” then aren't we necessarily “satisfied” with it, as well?
Good or good enough for a particular need or purpose: The teachers seem to think his work is satisfactory. We hope very much to find a satisfactory solution to the problem. The outcome of the discussion was highly satisfactory (= very pleasing).
If something's satisfactory it's okay — acceptable, but maybe not great. When you take a course pass/fail, your grade will be satisfactory if you meet all the requirements and do a reasonable job, or unsatisfactory if you don't. Try not to confuse satisfactory and satisfying.
"Satisfying" is an adjective describing something that fulfills a need or provides contentment in an action or experience. "Satisfied" is the past participle of the verb "satisfy" and signifies the feeling of contentment or fulfillment in a person after their desires have been met.
A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying.