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Unfulfilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfulfilling

[หŒสŒnfสŠlหˆfษชlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not providing satisfaction or fulfillment; leaving one feeling dissatisfied or unsatisfied.

Synonyms

disappointing, unrewarding, unsatisfying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfulfilling

Used when describing experiences or tasks that do not provide a sense of achievement or personal growth.

  • Despite the good salary, John found his corporate job unfulfilling.
  • She realized her unfulfilling hobbies were not bringing her joy.
unsatisfying

Used to explain the feeling when something is not fulfilling expectations or desires, often related to taste, interest, or curiosity.

  • The meal was unsatisfying; it lacked flavor and freshness.
  • Her conversation with the author was unsatisfying as many questions remained unanswered.
disappointing

Refers to situations or outcomes that do not meet expectations and lead to feelings of letdown.

  • The movie was highly anticipated but turned out to be disappointing.
  • Her test results were disappointing after all the effort she put in.
unrewarding

Describes actions or jobs that do not provide any material or emotional reward.

  • Volunteering at the animal shelter was not unrewarding, even though it was exhausting work.
  • He found his routine tasks at work utterly unrewarding.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unfulfilling experience that left me wanting more.
  • The job turned out to be unfulfilling, and I decided to seek new opportunities.
Context #2 | Adjective

result

Not achieving the desired or expected outcome; falling short of expectations or goals.

Synonyms

disappointing, inadequate, unsatisfactory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfulfilling

Use this when something does not provide a sense of satisfaction or happiness, often referring to personal experiences or jobs.

  • She found her job unfulfilling and decided to look for a new one.
  • Despite the high salary, the work was unfulfilling.
unsatisfactory

Use this when quality or performance is below expectations or standards, often referring to services, products, or work.

  • The customer service here is unsatisfactory.
  • His performance on the task was unsatisfactory.
disappointing

Use this when expectations are not met, leading to feelings of sadness or frustration. This can refer to events, results, or performances.

  • The movie was disappointing; I expected it to be much better.
  • His test scores were disappointing, given how much he studied.
inadequate

Use this when something is not enough or does not meet required standards, often referring to resources, preparation, or ability.

  • The funding for the project was inadequate.
  • She felt her training was inadequate for the demands of the job.

Examples of usage

  • The project ended in an unfulfilling manner, with incomplete results.
  • This book had an unfulfilling ending that left readers unsatisfied.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often find that activities aligned with their values and interests are more satisfying, while those that donโ€™t align can feel unfulfilling.
  • Research shows that having a sense of purpose in life can lead to stronger feelings of fulfillment and happiness.
  • Mental health experts suggest that pursuing hobbies and passions can help reduce feelings of unfulfillment.

Work Culture

  • Many people report job dissatisfaction when their roles do not match their expected fulfillment, leading to high turnover rates.
  • Unfulfilling work can lead to burnout, which affects productivity and overall mental well-being.
  • Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of employee engagement and fulfillment as a key to retaining talent.

Literature

  • Many authors explore the theme of unfulfillment in literature, showcasing characters that seek deeper meaning in their lives.
  • Classic novels often depict protagonists feeling unfulfilled in their societal roles, prompting them to embark on journeys of self-discovery.
  • Poets frequently write about the fleeting sense of happiness and the struggle against feelings of unfulfillment.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of fulfillment, questioning what it means to live a 'good life' versus one that feels empty or unfulfilling.
  • Existentialist thinkers argue that individuals must create their own meaning to avoid feelings of unfulfillment.
  • The concept of unfulfillment often leads to discussions about happiness and subjective well-being across different cultures.

Origin of 'unfulfilling'

The word 'unfulfilling' is a modern adjective formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the verb 'fulfill,' which originated from Old English 'fullfyllan,' meaning 'to complete or carry out.' The concept of feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied has been a part of human experience throughout history, as people have always sought fulfillment and satisfaction in various aspects of life.

See also: fulfilled, fulfilling, fulfillingly, fulfillment, unfulfillability, unfulfilled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,586, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.