unfulfilling
/ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-fu̇(l)-ˈfi-liŋ also -fə(l)-/ (ame, mw)
unfulfilling — adjective
- unfulfillingpositive
- more unfulfillingcomparative
- most unfulfillingsuperlative
1. not giving you a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or purpose — for example, a
not giving you a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or purpose — for example, a job that is boring and offers no real challenge, or a relationship that leaves you feeling empty.
Daniel left his job at the warehouse because he found the work repetitive and unfulfilling.
attributive: unfulfilling work
After three years in a sales role that felt deeply unfulfilling, Elena decided to train as a nurse.
predicative: [noun] + feels/is + unfulfilling
Kemi described her university course as unfulfilling and said she learned more from her part-time job at the library.
Many people stay in unfulfilling relationships simply because they are afraid of being alone.
Ravindra turned down a high-paying finance job because he had no interest in unfulfilling office work.
- unsatisfying
more general; can apply to food, a movie, or any experience that does not meet expectations
- unrewarding
focuses on lack of personal benefit or gain, especially for effort spent
- thankless
describes a task that brings no appreciation or gratitude from others
- fulfilling
the direct opposite — giving a feeling of satisfaction and purpose
- rewarding
bringing personal satisfaction, especially from effort or hard work
- satisfying
meeting expectations or desires, often in a more immediate sense
文法句型
unfulfilling + noun
be + unfulfilling
用法筆記
Describes deeper, longer-lasting dissatisfaction with purpose or meaning — more often used for jobs, careers, relationships, and life situations than for short-term experiences like meals or single events.