How to Express Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction

e feel satisfied when our wishes, expectations, or needs are fulfilled, or when we have paid our debts or fulfilled an obligation or claim. To the contrary, we will feel dissatisfied when we have a sense of dislike for, or unhappiness in, things that fall short of our wishes or expectations.

Here are the most common expressions of satisfaction and dissatisfaction in English.

Expressing Satisfaction

To express satisfaction, we can use the following expressions. Satisfaction can also be expressed with compliments.

• I’m very satisfied with ....
• I’m very pleased with ....
• It’s very satisfying.
• This is incredible / remarkable / fantastic / fabulous / unbelievable / amazing.
• Well done.
• You’ve done a great job.
• You did it.
• That was a good one.
• You’ve made a great effort.
• I really appreciate that.

Expressing Dissatisfaction

To express dissatisfaction, we can use below expressions. Dissatisfaction can also be shown through complaints.

• I’m disappointed with ....
• It’s very disappointing.
• What a terrible ...!
• How awful!
• It’s terrible / annoying.
• You should have done / known better.
• I want to complain about ....
• I have a complaint to make.
• (I’m afraid) ... it just isn’t good enough.
• Something must be done about ....

Example Dialogue 1

Shamira is grumbling to Kath.

SHAMIRA:	Every time we come here we have to wait!
KATH:	Never mind – it won’t be long now.
SHAMIRA:	We’ve been here the whole morning, practically.
KATH:	[looks at her watch] Well, ... we’ve only been here twenty minutes, actually.
SHAMIRA:	It’s really annoying, and I’m fed up!
KATH:	It’s no use being annoyed, Shamira. Either we can wait here and be patient, or we can come back later.
SHAMIRA:	Why does everyone else decide to come here just when I want to?
KATH:	Calm down. All the assistants are busy, but ....
SHAMIRA:	You mean ‘both the assistants’! There are only two of them! They should employ more assistants so people don’t have to wait.
KATH:	Look, we’re in town all day today – let’s come back when they’re not so rushed off their feet.
SHAMIRA:	I’m not budging!
	(Taken from Colloquial English)

Example Dialogue 2

The manager is talking to one of his employees about her job review.

MANAGER:	In summary, your review is mostly favorable. I really appreciate that.
EMPLOYEE:	Thank you, Sir.
MANAGER:	You met four of your six incentive goals, which means your bonus will total four million and five hundred thousand rupiahs.
EMPLOYEE:	Could you tell me which areas I should improve?
MANAGER:	Well, you got high marks for promptness and dedication, but you need to improve your business etiquette and time management.
EMPLOYEE:	Will my performance review be used in deciding on a salary increase?
MANAGER:	Of course. Your review will go into your file, which is part of your permanent employment record. Do you have any other questions?
EMPLOYEE:	I guess all's clear. Thank you very much, Sir.
MANAGER:	You're most welcome. Keep up the good work.
EMPLOYEE:	I will.

I. Answer these questions by referring to Dialogue 1.

1. Where did the dialogue most probably happen?
2. What were the speakers mostly talking about?
3. What do you think about Shamira's feeling?
4. Rewrite Shamira's sentence expressing her feeling.
5. In your opinion, what made her feel that way?
6. What do you think about Kath's attitude?
7. What did Kath suggest?
8. What would they most probably do after the conversation?

II. Answer these questions by referring to Dialogue 2.

1. Where did the dialogue take place?
2. What were the speakers talking about?
3. What did the manager most likely feel?
4. Rewrite the manager's sentence which expresses his/her feeling.
5. What can we learn about the performance review in relation with employees' salary increase?

Now you have learnt how to express satisfaction and dissatisfaction in English. Also check out the useful links below and read how to handle complaints and how to give and receive compliments.

More practice? You can find other dialogues and exercises about complaining and how to handle complaints HERE.

Good luck with your English studies.

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