unfulfilling

adjective

un·​ful·​fill·​ing ˌən-fu̇(l)-ˈfi-liŋ 

 also  -fə(l)-

: not providing happiness or satisfaction : not fulfilling

an unfulfilling job/relationship

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In turn, the work and the DEIB leader’s potential get shrunk to an unfulfilling small size. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 22 Dec. 2022

Following the rules of thermal equilibrium, the warmer ingredients have transferred their heat to the cooler ones, making for a handy, portable but ultimately lukewarm and unfulfilling dish. —Tim Carman, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2022

But the rate — 2.7% in October — can mask the difficulty of a transition that sometimes takes years of working unfulfilling jobs, while forging a new identity and a new purpose beyond serving one’s country. —Ben Finley, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2022

But knowing Suspicion’s ultimate mentality helps provide some context about its broad ambitions and unfulfilling execution. —Vulture, 4 Feb. 2022

For many, the past two years have prompted a shift in mindset and compelled people to leave unfulfilling jobs that don't align with their values or expectations. —Albert Galarza, Forbes, 24 June 2022

The passion and relentlessness that pushes someone to succeed at the highest levels can make the real world feel so unfulfilling. —Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2022

In the video trend crowding social media feeds since August, many are sharing their dull and unfulfilling view of the 9-to-5, a term many social media posts use more to describe a traditional career than the actual hours worked. —Katie Mogg, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Sep. 2022

Russell retired after the ’69 finals, returning for a relatively successful — but unfulfilling — four-year stint as coach and GM of the Seattle SuperSonics and a less fruitful half season as coach of the Sacramento Kings. —Jimmy Golen, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above