fulfil

American  

[fool-fil] / fʊlˈfɪl /

verb (used with object)

fulfilled, fulfilling

1. Chiefly British. a variant of fulfill.

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fulfil British  

/ fʊlˈfɪl /

verb

1. to bring about the completion or achievement of (a desire, promise, etc)

2. to carry out or execute (a request, etc)

3. to conform with or satisfy (regulations, demands, etc)

4. to finish or reach the end of

   he fulfilled his prison sentence

5. to achieve one's potential or desires

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Other Word Forms

• fulfiller noun
• fulfilment noun

Etymology

Origin of fulfil

Old English fulfyllan

Example Sentences

"The US remains in arrears, as are many other member states who have yet to fulfil their financial commitments for the current biennium's regular budget," the ILO told AFP in an email Friday.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

It has taken him five years to fulfil that promise.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

"The strategy outlines a vision for a sport where everyone feels respected, valued and able to fulfil their potential," the BHA said.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

While the money that is returned is largely for a failure to fulfil contracts, it is sometimes handed back if audits find a practice has incorrectly claimed too much for NHS treatments.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

It was as though he had an obscure but deep debt to fulfil to himself in accepting the deed.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright