American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition fulfill in American English

fulfill verb

[transitive] verb
/fʊlˈfɪl/

The verb fulfill has only one “l” in the middle (unlike the adjective full, which has a double “l”).

✗ Life is too short to enable man to fullfill his dreams.

✓ Life is too short to enable man to fulfill his dreams.

Note that in American English, there are two “l”s at the end: fulfill

In British English, there is one “l” at the end of the verb: fulfil

In both American and British English, the final “l” is doubled in the forms fulfilled and fulfilling:

✗ a duty that must be fulfiled

✓ a duty that must be fulfilled

1

to do a particular job or have a particular purpose

Example

The church fulfills a necessary role in this town.

Example

We know which part of the human brain fulfills this function.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to reach a particular standard or have the qualities that are necessary for something

Example

Several of the applicants do not fulfill the entry requirements for the course.

Synonyms and related words
2

to achieve something that you wanted to do, or get something you hoped for

Example

The trip fulfilled a long-cherished dream.

Example

They hope to fulfill their objectives by 2004.

Example

Supporters feel that the team has not fulfilled their expectations.

Synonyms and related words
3

to do what you must do, for example as part of a job

Example

Landlords who refuse to fulfill their obligations may be fined.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

to do what you have said you will do

Example

The government has failed to fulfill its election promises.

Example

Sadly, this pledge was never fulfilled.

Synonyms and related words
4

to make you happy and satisfied because you are using your abilities

Example

Being a wife and mother doesn't really fulfill me.

Synonyms and related words
Definition fulfill in American English