unfulfilled

/ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪld/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnfʊlfˈɪld] /ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪld/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnfʊlfˈɪld] /ˌən-fu̇(l)-ˈfild How to pronounce unfulfilled (audio) also -fə(l)-/ (ame, mw)

unfulfilled — adjective

  • unfulfilledpositive
  • more unfulfilledcomparative
  • most unfulfilledsuperlative

1. A dream, promise, need, or plan is unfulfilled when it has not come true, been m

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A dream, promise, need, or plan is unfulfilled when it has not come true, been met, or been carried out.

例句

After years abroad, Sofia still thought about her unfulfilled dream of opening a bakery.

unfulfilled + dream

The mayor apologized for the unfulfilled promise to build a new bus station.

unfulfilled + promise

同義詞
  • unrealized

    common with dreams, plans, and potential; slightly more formal or abstract

  • unmet

    best for needs, demands, and expectations rather than hopes or promises

  • unkept

    mainly used for promises or appointments; much narrower than 'unfulfilled'

反義詞
  • fulfilled

    the direct opposite; brought into reality or properly satisfied

  • realized

    often used when a plan, goal, or hope finally becomes real

  • met

    used especially for needs, demands, or expectations that have been satisfied

文法句型

unfulfilled dream/promise/need/plan

remain unfulfilled

leave + noun + unfulfilled

用法筆記

Usually modifies the wish, promise, need, or plan itself rather than the person connected with it. Distinguish this sense from sense 2, which describes how a person feels when life or work lacks enough purpose or progress.

常見錯誤

❌Sofia felt unfulfilled about her dream.
✅Sofia's dream remained unfulfilled.
💡Sense 1 describes the dream, promise, or need itself; use sense 2 when the adjective describes the person's emotional state.

2. Someone is unfulfilled when daily life or work leaves them without enough purpos

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Someone is unfulfilled when daily life or work leaves them without enough purpose, progress, or satisfaction, and they sense they should be doing more.

例句

Even after the promotion, Ilan felt unfulfilled and started volunteering on weekends.

feel unfulfilled

Teaching full time left Sumin unfulfilled, so she returned to research.

leave + person + unfulfilled

同義詞
  • dissatisfied

    broader and often tied to one result or situation, not a deeper lack of purpose

  • restless

    stresses an urge to change or move, not specifically a lack of meaning

  • empty

    stronger and more emotional; often suggests loneliness or loss rather than unrealized potential

反義詞
  • fulfilled

    feeling that life or work gives enough meaning, growth, or satisfaction

  • content

    calmly satisfied; less focused on achievement and personal growth

文法句型

feel unfulfilled

be unfulfilled in life/work

leave/make + someone + unfulfilled

用法筆記

Used mainly after a linking verb to describe a person's emotional state, often with an added phrase about work, family life, or personal goals. Distinguish it from sense 1, where the adjective modifies the unmet dream, plan, or promise itself.

常見錯誤

❌The unfulfilled teacher quit her job.
✅The teacher felt unfulfilled and quit her job.
💡When the feeling belongs to a person, English normally states it after a linking verb instead of using 'unfulfilled' directly before the person's role.