Unfulfilled: Definition and Synonym Exploration
unfulfilled – Definition and Part of Speech
Unfulfilled is an adjective that describes a state in which hopes, expectations, or potential remain unrealized or incomplete. It often conveys a sense of dissatisfaction due to something not being completed as intended.
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- The noun form would be “unfulfillment” (e.g., “her unfulfillment at work”), while the verb is “to fulfill.”
Core Synonyms
Here are some synonyms for “unfulfilled,” along with their nuances, example sentences, and appropriate styles or registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsatisfied | Indicates a lack of contentment; often used for desires or needs not met. | “He felt unsatisfied despite achieving his goals.” | Informal/Casual |
| Incomplete | Suggests something is lacking parts or elements to be finished or whole. | “The project remained incomplete at year’s end.” | Formal/Technical |
| Unaccomplished | Implies failure in achieving a task, goal, or potential. | “Despite her efforts, she felt unaccomplished in her career.” | Academic/Formal |
| Unachieved | Highlights the absence of realizing a specific objective or milestone. | “The athlete’s dreams remained unachieved after years of hard work.” | Business/Formal |
| Untapped | Refers to potential that has not been realized or utilized. | “Her talents were still untapped in her new role.” | Informal/Professional |
Usage Notes
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Unsatisfied: This term is best used in contexts involving desires, expectations, or needs. It is especially fitting in personal and informal settings when discussing emotional states or consumer experiences.
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Incomplete: Use this synonym in more formal or technical environments such as academic writing, project management, or any setting where tasks need to be fully executed.
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Unaccomplished: Ideal for academic papers or professional evaluations that critique an individual’s achievements or lack thereof. It often carries a slightly negative connotation about personal effort or success.
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Unachieved: Suitable in business settings when discussing objectives or milestones, particularly during performance reviews or strategic planning meetings where goals were not met.
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Untapped: Often used in professional development contexts or marketing to suggest that potential is present but has yet to be fully realized. It conveys a positive implication of future opportunities.
Common Pitfalls
When using these synonyms, it’s important to note their subtle differences:
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Do not use “unsatisfied” interchangeably with “incomplete,” as the former deals more with emotional states and expectations rather than objective tasks.
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Avoid confusing “unaccomplished” with “unfinished”; the latter implies that a task or project is still in progress, whereas the former suggests failure to achieve something despite efforts.
Final Recap
To summarize:
- Unfulfilled reflects unmet potential or desires. It’s best complemented by synonyms like:
- Unsatisfied: Emotional lack of contentment.
- Incomplete: Something lacking necessary components.
- Unaccomplished: Failure in achieving goals.
- Unachieved: Objectives not met despite efforts.
- Untapped: Potential yet to be realized.
To effectively use these synonyms, consider the context—whether it’s personal reflection, academic critique, or business evaluation—and choose the word that best conveys your specific meaning. Practice by writing sentences with each synonym or try using them in conversations to become more comfortable with their nuances.