Unfulfilled: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfulfilled

 

[ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or goal

Not achieved or realized; not fulfilled.

Synonyms

unaccomplished, unattained, unmet, unrealized.

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Word Description / Examples
unfulfilled

This word is often used to describe dreams, desires, or potential that have not been achieved or satisfied, often with a sense of emotional longing or disappointment.

  • She felt unfulfilled in her job.
  • His unfulfilled ambition to travel the world left him feeling restless.
unmet

This word is commonly used in reference to needs, expectations, or requirements that have not been satisfied or fulfilled. It often has a sense of deficiency or necessity.

  • The project had several unmet deadlines.
  • His need for recognition remained unmet.
unrealized

This word generally refers to potential, plans, or intentions that have not been brought to fruition or achieved. It is often used in financial or investment contexts.

  • Her potential as a singer was unrealized.
  • They regretted the unrealized gains from their investments.
unaccomplished

This word typically refers to tasks or goals that have not been completed or achievements that have not been reached. It's often used in a more general or objective sense.

  • Despite many attempts, the mission remained unaccomplished.
  • He left his work unaccomplished at the end of the day.
unattained

This word is usually used to describe goals or statuses that have not been reached. It often implies a level of effort that was made but did not succeed.

  • The peak of the mountain remained unattained.
  • Her goal of becoming an author was still unattained.

Examples of usage

  • The unfulfilled promises left the employees feeling disappointed.
  • She had many unfulfilled dreams and aspirations.
  • The unfulfilled potential of the young athlete was evident to all.
  • The unfulfilled expectations led to a sense of dissatisfaction.
  • The unfulfilled desire for adventure lingered in his mind.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word is formed from 'fulfill', which comes from the Old English 'fullan' meaning to make full or complete.
  • The prefix 'un-' is a common English way to indicate a lack or opposite of something.
  • In many languages, words conveying a similar meaning often include prefixes that denote negation.

Literature

  • Themes of unfulfillment are often central in literature, depicting characters who seek meaning or purpose and find it elusive.
  • Classic novels often explore unfulfilled desires, such as in 'The Great Gatsby', where the pursuit of an unattainable dream leads to tragedy.
  • Poetry frequently captures the feeling of unfulfilled ambitions, revealing deep emotional struggles within just a few lines.

Psychology

  • Here, unfulfilled aspirations can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction, which is often linked to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
  • Research shows that individuals who set realistic goals experience higher overall life satisfaction compared to those with unattainable ambitions.
  • A key concept in psychology is the 'thwarted expectation', where unmet goals can lead to emotional distress.

Pop Culture

  • Unfulfilled dreams feature prominently in many movies and songs, often highlighting characters' struggles with unrealized ambitions.
  • Television series often depict characters facing unfulfilled lives, sparking discussions about personal goals and societal expectations.
  • Pop music frequently explores unfulfilled love or dreams, resonating with listeners who share similar feelings.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue about the nature of fulfillment, debating whether true happiness can be achieved through fulfilling desires.
  • Existential philosophy often focuses on unfulfilled potential, with thinkers like Kierkegaard discussing how individuals confront their inherent limitations.
  • The notion of striving towards an ideal can lead to both personal growth and a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfulfilled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não realizado

🇮🇳 अपूर्ण

🇩🇪 unerfüllt

🇮🇩 tidak terpenuhi

🇺🇦 нездійснений

🇵🇱 niespełniony

🇯🇵 未達成の (みたっせいの)

🇫🇷 non réalisé

🇪🇸 no cumplido

🇹🇷 yerine getirilmemiş

🇰🇷 이루어지지 않은

🇸🇦 غير محقق

🇨🇿 nenaplněný

🇸🇰 nenaplnený

🇨🇳 未满足的 (wèi mǎnzú de)

🇸🇮 neizpolnjen

🇮🇸 óuppfylltur

🇰🇿 орындалмаған

🇬🇪 ჩაუხდენელი

🇦🇿 yerinə yetirilməmiş

🇲🇽 no cumplido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,475, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.