left unfulfilled

USAGE SUMMARY

"left unfulfilled" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or feeling that has been left with a sense of incompleteness. For example, "John's lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut was ultimately left unfulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

At a conference last week, the United Nations reminded governments of past promises left unfulfilled.

The Economist

The private sector has rushed into a vacuum of demand for law and order left unfulfilled by the state.

The Economist

It is the kind of toxic household made for ratings, if not for one role left unfulfilled: the American star.

The New York Times - Sports

Both were left unfulfilled by their playing careers, although Ferguson at least realised his dream of playing for Rangers, even if it ended acrimoniously.

Independent

His greatest legacy to his countrymen may well be a sense of unfinished business, a result of the expectations he raised but left unfulfilled.

The New Yorker

Being taken into care can be traumatic for a child, but this does not mean that their potential should be left unfulfilled.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

At first, hearing them talk about women, the market and cars ("The three things men always talk about," he said) he surmised they would leave unfulfilled.

The New York Times - Style

The experience left him unfulfilled.

The New York Times

That turn of events, however, still left him unfulfilled.

The New York Times

Watch here Even so, going through the Davis canon reveals several directions left tantalisingly unfulfilled.

The Guardian - Music

Desme said his breakout season in 2009 had left him unfulfilled and confirmed his uneasy feelings about continuing with baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left unfulfilled" to describe ambitions, promises, or potential that have not been realized. It adds a sense of disappointment or incompletion to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "left unfulfilled" to describe situations where something was actively prevented from happening. The phrase is more appropriate when the opportunity existed but was not taken, or the conditions were not met. If something was actively prevented, use phrases like "was thwarted" or "was blocked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left unfulfilled" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate adjective describing a noun. It signifies that something has not been completed or realized. Ludwig examples showcase its use with ambitions, promises, and expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left unfulfilled" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe something that has not been completed or realized. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It most frequently appears in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains. While versatile, "left unfulfilled" is most appropriate when an opportunity or expectation existed but was not realized. Related phrases include "remained unrealized" and "stayed incomplete". When writing, avoid using this term if something was actively prevented, and remember that it conveys a sense of disappointment or incompletion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unrealized

Focuses on the failure to achieve a specific goal or ambition.

stayed incomplete

Highlights the unfinished nature of something, lacking closure.

was not achieved

Emphasizes the lack of accomplishment or attainment.

went unaccomplished

Stresses the failure to complete a task or project.

was left wanting

Implies a deficiency or lack of something desired.

remained pending

Highlights the state of being unresolved or outstanding.

was not satisfied

Indicates a lack of fulfillment or contentment.

was unresolved

Emphasizes the lack of a solution or conclusion.

was abandoned

Focuses on being deserted or relinquished, rather than simply not completed.

was forsaken

Emphasizes being neglected or deserted, not just unfulfilled.

FAQs

How can I use "left unfulfilled" in a sentence?

You can use "left unfulfilled" to describe something that was not completed or realized. For example, "His dream of traveling the world was "left unfulfilled" due to his illness".

What are some alternatives to "left unfulfilled"?

Some alternatives include "remained unrealized", "stayed incomplete", or "was not achieved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "left unfulfilled" or "remained unfulfilled"?

Both "left unfulfilled" and "remained unfulfilled" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Left unfulfilled" implies an initial state that was not brought to completion, while "remained unfulfilled" suggests a persistent state of incompleteness.

What does it mean when a promise is "left unfulfilled"?

When a promise is "left unfulfilled", it means that the promise was not kept or carried out. It implies a sense of disappointment or failure to meet expectations. For example, "The government's promises to reduce poverty were "left unfulfilled"".