Word
unfulfilled
Phoneticsun·ful·filled, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənfʊɫˈfɪɫd/
UK/ʌnfʊlfˈɪld/
Definition
adj. not having achieved what you wanted or expected. You use this to describe a feeling of being unhappy because you did not reach a goal.
adj. not having achieved a desired or expected result; lacking in satisfaction or completion. Often used to describe a state of emotional dissatisfaction or a goal that remains unrealised.
Examples
“He felt unfulfilled after his first year of work.”
“Many young professionals leave their corporate jobs in search of a more creative path, feeling unfulfilled by the repetitive nature of office life.”
“The protagonist's journey is defined by a sense of unfulfilled potential, as he struggles to reconcile his artistic ambitions with the practical demands of his family's expectations.”
Examples
simple
“He felt unfulfilled after his first year of work.”
contextual
“Many young professionals leave their corporate jobs in search of a more creative path, feeling unfulfilled by the repetitive nature of office life.”
complex
“The protagonist's journey is defined by a sense of unfulfilled potential, as he struggles to reconcile his artistic ambitions with the practical demands of his family's expectations.”
Real-World Examples
“Some commitments contained in that deal remain unfulfilled.” “Like most prodigiously successful people, José Mourinho is clearly quite odd, and possibly, even now, as he prepares to take over once again at Real Madrid, slightly unfulfilled.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unfulfilled