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self-fulfillment

American  
[self-fool-fil-muhnt, self-] / ˈsɛlf fʊlˈfɪl mənt, ˌsɛlf- /
especially British, self-fulfilment

noun

  1. the act or fact of fulfilling one's ambitions, desires, etc., through one's own efforts.


Etymology

Origin of self-fulfillment

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Turner-Seed’s own writing lays bare a struggle for self-fulfillment, to reconcile the traditional values pushed by her Jewish immigrant parents with a restless need to discover and make her own way.

From Los Angeles Times

He set himself apart with a management style that mixed Japan’s work ethic with concepts of higher callings and self-fulfillment, often taken from Mr. Inamori’s own writings.

From Washington Post

These foibles and pitfalls can entice not just orthodox, IRS-blessed religions but also the self-made leaders of spiritual, self-help, self-fulfillment and human potential bodies that have grown here in Southern California as nowhere else.

From Los Angeles Times

“It shouldn’t be about self-preservation, self-fulfillment. It should be about, right is right, and what protects American citizens. Namely, kids. There’s no other spin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Everyone who volunteers for the day of service, Harrell said, will get two things: a sense of self-fulfillment that they did something about a problem rather than just complaining, and a T-shirt.

From Seattle Times