What does satisfiable mean?
Satisfiable means capable of being satisfied, fulfilled, or met. It is used when a request, claim, or set of conditions can be accommodated and therefore does not contain an inherent contradiction. The word also has an important technical meaning in logic and mathematics: a satisfiable formula, condition set, or system is one for which at least one valid assignment or solution exists. This distinguishes it from an unsatisfiable system, which cannot be satisfied under any assignment. In ordinary writing, satisfiable is somewhat more formal than “can be fulfilled,” but it is especially useful when discussing requirements, constraints, promises, or claims. Its presence often signals that the speaker is evaluating whether all specified conditions are mutually compatible rather than merely whether a task seems broadly possible.
adjectiveCapable of being satisfied or fulfilled. In logic and mathematics, describing a set of conditions or a formula for which a solution exists.
- Capable of being satisfied, fulfilled, or met.
- In logic and mathematics, having at least one solution or consistent assignment of values.
"The requirements were simple enough to be satisfiable."
"The court determined that the plaintiff's claims were satisfiable."
"The formula is satisfiable because at least one assignment satisfies every clause."
In logic, a satisfiable formula is one that can be true for at least one assignment of truth values.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satisfiable come from?
Satisfiable was formed in the 19th century from the English word “satisfy” and the suffix “-able,” meaning “capable of being” or “able to be.” Satisfy itself derives from Old French satisfaire and Latin satisfacere, formed from satis, meaning “enough” or “satisfied,” and facere, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Related English forms include satisfaction and satisfactory, all reflecting the same root idea of fulfilling a condition or need.
Related word forms
How satisfiable is actually used
The word is most common in formal and technical contexts, especially in logic, mathematics, law, and requirements analysis. It is more precise than simply saying that something is possible, because it focuses on whether specified conditions can all be met.