fulfilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fulfilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone feeling content or satisfied after they finish or accomplish something. For example: After months of studying and hard work, she finally earned her degree and felt a sense of fulfillment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The accounts can also be unlocked if certain conditions are being fulfilled, such as the offending user providing Twitter with their phone number for verification purposes, or deleting the problem tweets.

The Guardian - Tech

Lord Adonis, the former transport secretary who was heavily involved in the Labour negotiations with the Lib Dems in 2010, insists that Brown fulfilled his constitutional obligation to remain in office until a clear successor had emerged.

The Guardian

It lies in the fact that most of us from the postcolonial world, though intuitively sympathetic to the idea of self-determination, cannot claim to have fulfilled even partially its extravagant promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

I haven't fulfilled my dreams = bad / I have an imposing bosom = good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thatcher told MacGregor in March 1984, according to the documents: "It was essential to stiffen the resolve of chief constables to ensure that they fulfilled their duty to uphold the law".

The Guardian

But of a good leader who talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say, 'We did it ourselves'".

The Guardian

That promise was not fulfilled, and President al-Maliki's repression of Sunni Arabs is now driving an insurgency against his rule, from which Isis is gaining.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many victims seem to be living a happy and fulfilled life, but it's a very different story behind closed doors".

The Guardian

She urged Greening to confirm whether she had fulfilled her commitment to appoint a representative on to Network Rail's remuneration committee.

The Guardian - Business

If Cameron manages to secure a British opt-out from the EU's founding ambition to create an ever closer union, Whittingdale may be able to say that he has fulfilled one of Thatcher's key goals in her famous Bruges speech in September 1988, delivered nine months after he started in No 10 as her political secretary.

The Guardian

Their career paths also need to be mapped out so that they feel fulfilled.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fulfilled" to describe a person's feeling, ensure it reflects a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose, not just temporary happiness. For instance, say "She felt fulfilled by her work as a volunteer" rather than "She felt fulfilled after eating ice cream."

Common error

Avoid using "fulfilled" when you simply mean something is full. "Fulfilled" carries a connotation of completion or satisfaction, whereas "filled" simply describes capacity. Use "filled" to describe a container or space that is full.

Linguistic Context

The word "fulfilled" functions as both a verb (past participle) and an adjective. As a verb, it indicates the completion of an action or obligation. As an adjective, it describes a state of satisfaction or contentment, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

16%

Lifestyle

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Sport

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig's analysis confirms that "fulfilled" is a commonly used term functioning as both a verb (past participle) and an adjective, primarily conveying a sense of completion, satisfaction, or meeting requirements. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the grammatical status of this term is correct. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this term, it's important to distinguish its meaning from "filled" and to ensure it accurately reflects a deep sense of satisfaction or completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accomplished

Emphasizes the successful completion of a task or goal.

achieved

Focuses on the attainment of something desired or worked for.

realized

Highlights the making something real or concrete.

satisfied

Conveys a sense of contentment and meeting expectations.

met

Indicates that a requirement, standard, or condition has been satisfied.

completed

Stresses the finished state of something.

executed

Implies the carrying out of a plan or order.

discharged

Focuses on fulfilling a duty or obligation.

brought to fruition

Emphasizes the successful development and completion of something over time.

brought to pass

Focuses on causing something to happen or be realized.

FAQs

How do I use "fulfilled" in a sentence?

You can use "fulfilled" to describe a sense of satisfaction or the completion of something. For example, "She felt "fulfilled" after completing the marathon" or "All the requirements were "fulfilled"".

What can I say instead of "fulfilled"?

Alternatives to "fulfilled" include "accomplished", "satisfied", or "achieved", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "fulfilled a promise" or "filled a promise"?

"Fulfilled a promise" is the correct usage. "Filled a promise" doesn't make sense, as "fulfilled" means to complete or satisfy a promise, while "filled" means to make something full.

What's the difference between "fulfilled" and "satisfied"?

"Fulfilled" often implies a deeper sense of purpose or completeness, while "satisfied" suggests meeting a specific need or requirement. You might feel "satisfied" with a good meal, but "fulfilled" by a meaningful career.