noun

satisfaction

sat-is-FAK-shun/ˌsætɪsˈfækʃn/

The fulfillment of a need or requirement.

The woman's completed bowl brings satisfaction of her expectations for the work.

A South Asian woman smiles contentedly after finishing a well-made ceramic bowl, fulfilled expectations.

Etymology

satisLatinenough

+facLatinto do, make

+tionLatinact or process

The pieces express “doing enough,” originally meeting an obligation or making amends. That idea extended to fulfilling desires and needs, and satisfaction came to name the contented feeling this produces.

In context

Libertarianism.org13:36

happiness is a state of consciousness that consists of the satisfaction of our desires and desires are satisfied by certain pleasurable sensations

Excursions, Ep. 89: Thomas Hodgskin Versus Herbert Spencer, Part 1

More examples

She finds satisfaction in helping her students succeed.
We revise the plans to the client's satisfaction.
The program focuses on the satisfaction of basic human needs.

Forms

satisfaction · satisfactions

satisfy verb — To meet a need or requirement.

satisfactory adjective — Good enough to meet a requirement.

Similar words

fulfillment: Emphasizes meeting a need or requirement rather than the resulting feeling.
gratification: Emphasizes pleasure from a fulfilled desire rather than an obligation.
settlement: Specifically resolves a debt or claim through payment or agreement.