fulfilling

[ fool-fil-ing ]

adjective

1. satisfying or rewarding, especially by meeting the emotional need for meaning, challenge, growth, success, etc.:

   The young graduates were looking forward to the adventure of growing personally, gaining new skills, and embarking on a fulfilling career.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fulfilling¹

First recorded in 1300–50; fulfill ( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

“We must also do this while balancing overcrowding and fulfilling community needs,” Sibal said.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also surprising research showing that for older single people, sex can be more fulfilling.

From Los Angeles Times

He considers himself a laissez-faire guy who believes in the butterfly effect, and with the career path he’s helmed, he’s been able to star in his most fulfilling role — dad.

From Los Angeles Times

When rumours first emerged in October that North Korean troops were about to start supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, it wasn't immediately clear what role they would be fulfilling.

From BBC

It was both sides betting on each other, and Lenoir showed through high school, then in college at Oregon, and now with the 49ers, that he’s a player focused on fulfilling his dreams.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• administration
• application
• imposition
• prosecution

More About Fulfilling

What does fulfilling mean?

Fulfilling means providing or resulting in satisfaction or contentment.

A job is fulfilling when it allows a person to fully use their talents and work on projects that they enjoy and that they find meaning in. A relationship is fulfilling for someone when it brings them happiness and a deep connection.

Fulfilling is also the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb fulfill, meaning “to satisfy” or “to bring about” (which is how it’s used in the term self-fulfilling, as in self-fulfilling prophecy).

Something that’s fulfilling leads to fulfillment—a state of satisfaction or contentment. Someone who feels this way can be described as fulfilled.

Example: My trip across Europe has been so fulfilling—I’ve learned new languages and new cultures, and, most importantly, I’ve learned new things about myself.

Where does fulfilling come from?

The first records of the verb fulfill come from before 1000. The adjective form fulfilling is first recorded later. It ultimately comes from the Old English fulfyllan. Just as it sounds, the roots of the word fulfill are the words full and fill.

Something that’s fulfilling fills you up—it makes you full of contentment or satisfaction. Tasks and hobbies that are fulfilling are worth doing because of what you get out of them. When things aren’t fulfilling, it means they don’t give you much in return. A job might not be fulfilling if it doesn’t make you feel like you’re doing something useful or at least learning something from it.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of fulfilling?

• fulfill (verb)

What are some synonyms for fulfilling?

• satisfying

What are some words that share a root or word element with fulfilling? 

 

• self-fulfilling
• fulfillment
• full
• fill

What are some words that often get used in discussing fulfilling?

• satisfaction
• contentment
• job
• career
• task
• relationship
• hobby

How is fulfilling used in real life?

Fulfilling is typically used in a positive way. It’s especially used in the context of careers, relationships, and hobbies.

Research shows that #STEMteachers find their work fulfilling. It is also reported that teachers are 6 times more likely to say that they make a difference in people’s lives than other STEM professionals. Agree? https://t.co/el3uubBZ5N #K12STEM #TeachSTEM #STEMeducation pic.twitter.com/ME6ORMuPTg

— 100Kin10 (@100Kin10) December 19, 2018

Most people don’t have a fulfilling relationship with others, because they don’t have a fulfilling relationship with themselves. In fact, they will do anything to not have a relationship with themselves, all in an attempt to distract their minds from the sounds of their own soul.

— 🔮✨ (@TheOracleReadsU) May 22, 2020

Welp, it has been a fulfilling 2 year journey.

I have learned so many things, made way too many mistakes, and I'm starting to understand the reason as to why I am here. May not have made that many friends but I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters.

Forever grateful 💛

— Yeah…No (@YannoEdren) May 29, 2020

 

 

Try using fulfilling!

Is fulfilling used correctly in the following sentence?

I find woodworking so fulfilling because it’s relaxing and I can make things that last.