were unfulfilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were unfulfilled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where expectations, desires, or goals have not been met or achieved. Example: "Many of her dreams were unfulfilled, leaving her with a sense of longing for what could have been."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Or because my bourgeois notions of enjoyment and reward were unfulfilled, as Barker might have put it.

The Guardian

In two years I lost [Rafael] van der Vaart, Modric, Bale, and all the promises made were unfulfilled".

The Guardian - Sport

Most were unfulfilled until this week, when the State Department said it could find only four messages that met the search terms of one such request.

The Guardian

Last year, the number of drug seizures was mostly down, the government's promises to extradite drug suspects to the United States were unfulfilled and official corruption was widespread.

The New York Times

"I had done a film about people who were unfulfilled and afraid," he said, "and I wanted to show people who were at the next stage, trying to engage with life".

The New York Times

For dessert, each volume has a "visual essay" in which Diana L. Linden, an art historian, illuminates cultural icons (including Benny Leonard's boxing gloves and the bodies of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg) emblematic of the promises that were redeemed, that were unfulfilled and that still beckon immigrants.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But this hope was unfulfilled.

The New Yorker

Five years later, the assignment is unfulfilled.

The New Yorker

So far, the promise is unfulfilled.

The New York Times

But why has their sense of belonging been unfulfilled elsewhere?

The Guardian

Angela's husband, Dominic, is unfulfilled and unfaithful.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were unfulfilled", ensure the subject clearly indicates what expectations or desires were not met. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "were unfulfilled" in active voice constructions. The phrase is passive and describes a state, not an action. For instance, do not say "They were unfulfilled the promise". A better construction would be "The promise was unfulfilled by them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were unfulfilled" typically functions as a predicate adjective in a sentence. It describes a noun (e.g., promises, dreams, hopes) by indicating that they did not achieve the expected outcome or potential. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were unfulfilled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing that expectations, promises, or desires have not been realized. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media and science, and maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "were unfulfilled". Consider alternatives like "remained unmet" or "did not come to fruition" for nuanced expression. Pay attention to using the phrase in the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unfulfilled

Replaces "were" with "remained", emphasizing the persistence of the unfulfilled state.

were not realized

Substitutes "unfulfilled" with "not realized", focusing on the lack of actualization.

were unmet

A more concise alternative, highlighting the lack of fulfillment.

were not achieved

Emphasizes the failure to reach a specific goal or outcome.

did not come to fruition

Replaces the original phrase with a more idiomatic expression indicating failure to materialize.

fell short of expectations

Focuses on the discrepancy between expectations and actual results.

were not satisfied

Shifts the focus to a lack of satisfaction or contentment.

were left wanting

Implies a sense of longing or incompleteness.

proved disappointing

Highlights the feeling of disillusionment resulting from the unfulfilled state.

were in vain

Indicates that efforts were unsuccessful and without value.

FAQs

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

You can use "were unfulfilled" to describe hopes, promises, or expectations that didn't come to pass. For example, "The promises made during the campaign "were unfulfilled" after the election".

What's a good alternative to "were unfulfilled"?

Alternatives include "remained unmet", "were not realized", or "fell short of expectations", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the promises were unfulfilled" or "the promises remained unfulfilled"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "remained unfulfilled" emphasizes the persistence of the unfulfilled state over time.

What is the difference between "were unfulfilled" and "were not satisfied"?

"Were unfulfilled" typically refers to unmet expectations or promises, while "were not satisfied" implies a lack of contentment or gratification. The former focuses on external factors, the latter on internal feelings.