is fulfilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fulfilling" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how someone or something is completing or accomplishing an action or goal. For example, "John's commitment to his studies is fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This job is fulfilling different needs.

The New York Times

Now, Fowler is fulfilling undoubted earlier promise.

The Guardian - Sport

"Avtovaz, along with producing cars, is fulfilling a social role.

The New York Times

Vogue was fun, but this work is fulfilling.

The New York Times

"The golf is fulfilling the museum's mission," he said.

The New York Times - Science

The work is fulfilling and I'm making a difference.

The Guardian

Most often, the reason is that the work is fulfilling.

The New York Times

President Obama is fulfilling his promise to wind down the Iraq war.

The New York Times

But now the metropolis is fulfilling a special place in the country's boom.

The New York Times

The team, said Mr Bush pointedly, would be "stating clearly who is fulfilling their responsibilities".

The Economist

Our stores remain open, and Borders.com is fulfilling orders as usual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Identify whether you are using the phrase as a transitive verb (e.g. "is fulfilling a promise") or as a linking verb with an adjective (e.g. "the work is fulfilling"). The former requires an object, while the latter describes the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "is fulfilling" when you mean that something is entirely occupied by something else. Use "<a href="/s/is+full+of" target="_blank" rel="alternative">is full of" for physical or metaphorical volume, and reserve "is fulfilling" for completion of tasks or emotional satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is fulfilling" acts as a present continuous verb phrase or as a copula + predicative adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. In the continuous form, it indicates that an action—like completing a contract or promise—is currently in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "is fulfilling" is a highly versatile and robust phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically sound choice for both describing an ongoing action (like fulfilling a contract) and an ongoing state of being (like a career that is fulfilling). Its high frequency in top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrates its reliability in professional writing. When using it, remember the distinction between the action of completing a duty and the feeling of satisfaction. Using alternatives like "<a href="/s/is+meeting" target="_blank" rel="alternative">is meeting" or "<a href="/s/is+executing" target="_blank" rel="alternative">is executing" can provide more technical precision when necessary, but the query phrase remains a powerful, all-purpose choice for indicating that expectations or needs are being met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is meeting

Focuses more on reaching a specific standard or requirement.

is satisfying

Emphasizes the pleasure or contentment derived from an activity.

is carrying out

Stresses the active execution of a task, duty or plan.

is completing

Highlights the finality or finishing of a process.

is achieving

Implies the successful attainment of a goal or dream.

is honoring

Used specifically when referring to promises, pledges or moral duties.

is executing

Provides a more formal or technical tone for carrying out orders.

is realizing

Suggests turning potential or a vision into reality.

is performing

Relates to the conduct of roles or functions within a system.

is discharging

Formal legal or administrative term for completing an obligation.

FAQs

How do I use "is fulfilling" in a sentence?

You can use "is fulfilling" as a verb phrase to show someone is completing a task, such as "She is fulfilling her duties", or as a description of a rewarding experience, like "This career path is fulfilling".

What is the difference between "is fulfilling" and "is satisfying"?

While similar, "<a href="/s/is+satisfying" target="_blank" rel="alternative">is satisfying" often relates to immediate needs or desires, whereas "is fulfilling" frequently implies reaching one's full potential or completing a long-term obligation.

Can I say "is meeting" instead of "is fulfilling"?

Yes, if the context is about requirements or expectations, "<a href="/s/is+meeting" target="_blank" rel="alternative">is meeting" is a very close synonym, especially in professional reporting.

Is "is fulfilling" used in formal writing?

Absolutely. Sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently use "is fulfilling" to describe political promises, corporate orders and social roles.