unfulfilled

adjective

un·​ful·​filled ˌən-fu̇(l)-ˈfild 

also -fə(l)-

: not fulfilled:

a

: not filled : unsatisfied, unmet

… vital unfulfilled needs of the nation …

—Harry S. Truman

b

: not carried out : not accomplished or finished

unfulfilled goals

unfulfilled shipments

c

: not converted into reality

an unfulfilled promise

d

: not having reached a point of satisfaction or happiness

… a family that includes a supportive yet equally unfulfilled wife …

—Matt Roush

Examples of unfulfilled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many express frustration and confusion over the reasons for the war and the president's unfulfilled promises to end it quickly. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Here, says the synopsis, Nalan struggles with her unfulfilled desire for a child and with her relationship. —John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

In the memoir, Donovan confronts the origins of his mental health issues, talks about growing up poor in a 900-square-foot home managed heroically by his single mother, Donna, and how even his greatest successes on the field left him unfulfilled. —Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

But much of their promise was unfulfilled in Charlotte for various reasons. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unfulfilled

• backfilled
• distilled
• fulfilled
• infilled
• instilled
• rebuild
• refilled
• unfilled
• unskilled
• untilled
• billed
• build