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Prepositions after adjectives

Unsatisfied with, by, in, for, or about?

Unsatisfied is most commonly followed by with. Other prepositions can appear in specific contexts, but they do not usually replace with.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows unsatisfied?

Use unsatisfied with for disappointment or lack of fulfilment. Unsatisfied by also appears when a need, explanation, or standard has not been met. In, for, and about usually have different functions in the sentence.

She was unsatisfied with the results.
Customers remained unsatisfied with the service.
The judge was unsatisfied by the evidence.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
unsatisfied with + noun

Expressing dissatisfaction

This is the most common pattern after unsatisfied.

I am unsatisfied with the proposal.
They felt unsatisfied with their progress.
2
unsatisfied by + explanation or evidence

Showing that something failed to convince

By is used when something does not meet a standard or expectation.

The committee was unsatisfied by his answer.
We remain unsatisfied by the report.
3
unsatisfied in + area

Referring to a specific aspect

In can introduce an area where fulfilment is lacking.

He felt unsatisfied in his career.
Many people are unsatisfied in their current roles.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
unsatisfied with
She is unsatisfied with her salary.
Standard pattern for dissatisfaction.
unsatisfied by
The inspector was unsatisfied by the response.
Something failed to satisfy or convince.
unsatisfied in
He feels unsatisfied in his personal life.
In introduces the area of life or activity.
unsatisfied for
Unsatisfied for is not a standard complement after the adjective.
Use with or by instead.
unsatisfied about
They are unsatisfied about the delays.
About introduces the topic causing dissatisfaction.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for after unsatisfied

For is not the normal preposition after unsatisfied.

✕ She is unsatisfied for the outcome. ✓ She is unsatisfied with the outcome.

Using by for general dissatisfaction

By is better for unmet standards or failed explanations.

✕ I am unsatisfied by my apartment. ✓ I am unsatisfied with my apartment.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The client was ___ the final design.
2. The board remained ___ his explanation.
3. She felt unsatisfied ___ her work life.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between unsatisfied with and unsatisfied by?

With expresses general dissatisfaction. By focuses on something that failed to satisfy or convince.

Can I say unsatisfied about something?

Yes. About can introduce the topic causing dissatisfaction.

Is unsatisfied for correct?

No. Standard English normally uses with or by.

ubiquitous in, on, across, throughout or for? "ugly in", "ugly for" or "ugly of"? ultimate in, of, for, on or as? "unacceptable to", "unacceptable in" or "unacceptable for"? unaccounted for unaccustomed to or in? unacquainted with unaffected by, in, for or with? "unaffordable for" or "unaffordable to"? unanimous in, on, about, regarding or for? "unattractive to" or "unattractive for"? "unavailable for" or "unavailable to"?

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