How to Express Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction

We feel satisfed when our desires, expectations, or needs are met, or when we have settled debts or fulfilled obligations. Conversely, dissatisfaction arises when we feel unhappy or disappointed with situations or outcomes that fail to meet our hopes or expectations.

A. 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.

B. 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 ....

C. Example Dialogue 1: At a Cafe

Aldi: "Ugh, every time we come to this café, it takes forever to get our coffee!"

Andra: "Relax, it won’t be much longer now, I guess."

Aldi: "We’ve practically wasted an hour waiting here."

Andra: "[checks his phone] Actually, it’s only been about ten minutes."

Aldi: "It’s so frustrating, though! I’ve had enough of this."

Andra: "Complaining won’t help, Al. Either we wait here calmly, or we go somewhere else. What’s it going to be?"

Aldi: "Why does everyone decide to grab coffee the moment I do?"

Andra: "Take it easy. The baristas are swamped, but..."

Aldi: "You mean ‘the only two baristas’? They need to hire more staff so this place runs smoother."

Andra: "Look, we’ll be in this neighborhood all afternoon – why not come back later when it’s less crowded?"

Aldi: "Nope, I’m not leaving until I get my latte!"

(Adapted from Colloquial English)

D. Example Dialogue 2: A College Advising Session

Advisor: "Overall, your semester review is quite positive, and I’m really pleased with your progress."

Student: "Thank you, Professor."

Advisor: "You’ve successfully completed four out of your six academic goals, which means you qualify for the scholarship renewal of 4.5 million rupiahs."

Student: "Could you let me know which areas I should work on improving?"

Advisor: "Certainly. You’ve excelled in class participation and research skills, but you need to work on your time management and writing clarity."

Student: "Will this review affect my eligibility for future scholarships?"

Advisor: "Absolutely. Your performance review will be included in your academic record, which plays a role in future funding decisions. Any other questions?"

Student: "No, I think that covers it all. Thank you very much, Professor."

Advisor: "You’re welcome. Keep up the excellent work."

Student: "I will, thank you!"

E. Exercise: Expressing Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction

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 Aldi's feeling?
4. Rewrite Aldi's sentence expressing his feeling.
5. In your opinion, what made him feel that way?
6. What do you think about Andra's attitude?
7. What did Andra 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 most possibly take place?
2. What were the speakers talking about?
3. What did the advisor most likely feel?
4. Rewrite the advisor's sentence(s) expressing his/her feeling.
5. What can we learn about the performance review in relation with the student's future scholarships?

51611 622amv175