variants
or British fulfil
US fulfills or British fulfils; fulfilled; fulfilling
1
: to do what is required by (something, such as a promise or a contract)
fulfill a promise/vow
He fulfilled his pledge to cut taxes.
She failed to fulfill her obligations.
2
a
: to succeed in doing or providing (something)
They haven't yet fulfilled [=met, satisfied] the requirements needed to graduate.
The program is intended to fulfill the basic needs of children in the community.
The committee was disbanded after it had fulfilled its purpose. [=after it had done what it was intended to do]
b
: to succeed in achieving (something) : to make (something, such as a dream) true or real
If we could have that house, our dreams would be fulfilled.
He fulfilled his childhood wish to become a professional baseball player.
She fulfilled her life's ambition when she started her own business.
Their vacation failed to fulfill their expectations. [=their vacation was not as good as they expected it to be]
With the money she earned in the stock market, she was finally able to fulfill her dreams. [=she was finally able to do the things she had always dreamed of doing]
He has a lot of talent, but he hasn't really fulfilled [=lived up to, reached] his potential.
3
: to make (someone or yourself) happy by achieving or doing something that was wished for
Her work fulfills her.
He's trying to fulfill himself as an artist.
Cite this Entry
“Fulfill.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fulfill. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.
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