PsychologyAugust 23, 2026
satisficing
SAT-ih-fahy-sing
Definition
A decision-making strategy that involves choosing an option that meets one's minimum criteria for adequacy rather than searching for the single best possible outcome.
Etymology
The term was coined by Nobel laureate Herbert Simon as a portmanteau of the words 'satisfy' and 'suffice', reflecting a behavioral strategy that avoids the excessive cost of searching for perfection.
In the news
In the article, satisficing is presented as a practical alternative to maximalism, encouraging people to set 'good-enough' standards to avoid decision fatigue.
Less is more: Too may choices are not necessarily the best thing
Read the full article ↗The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette