self-fulfillment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Semi-formal. Common in personal development, academic (psychology, philosophy), and lifestyle writing.
Quick answer
What does “self-fulfillment” mean?
The act or process of fulfilling or realizing one's own potential, desires, or aspirations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of fulfilling or realizing one's own potential, desires, or aspirations.
A state of personal satisfaction and happiness achieved through the development of one's abilities, character, and life purpose, often seen as a primary goal of humanistic psychology and modern individualism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK prefers the spelling 'self-fulfilment' (single 'l'). US uses 'self-fulfillment' (double 'l'). No difference in meaning.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, though slightly more tied to individualism and the 'American Dream' in US cultural discourse.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both, but the concept may be referenced more explicitly in US self-help and motivational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-fulfillment” in a Sentence
noun (often uncountable)object of: seek/find/achieve/pursue + ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-fulfillment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He sought to self-fulfil through his artistic work.
- The programme is designed to help people self-fulfil.
American English
- She aims to self-fulfill through volunteer work.
- Therapy helped him learn to self-fulfill.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-fulfillingly after his retirement.
- She worked self-fulfillingly in the charity sector.
American English
- They are striving to live self-fulfillingly.
- He painted self-fulfillingly in his studio.
adjective
British English
- She is on a self-fulfilling journey.
- He described it as a self-fulfilling pursuit.
American English
- It was a self-fulfilling experience.
- They lead self-fulfilling lives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR and coaching contexts, e.g., 'The company aims to provide roles that offer opportunities for self-fulfillment.'
Academic
Common in psychology, philosophy, and sociology, discussing human motivation and wellbeing.
Everyday
Used in conversations about life choices, career, hobbies, and personal goals.
Technical
A key term in humanistic psychology (e.g., Maslow, Rogers).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-fulfillment”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-fulfillment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-fulfillment”
- Confusing with 'self-fulfilling prophecy'. Spelling: 'self-fullfillment' (incorrect). Using as a countable noun (*'a self-fulfillment').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Happiness is a broader, more transient emotional state. Self-fulfillment is a deeper, more enduring sense of having realized one's potential and purpose.
Yes, it is a compound noun typically written with a hyphen: self-fulfillment (US) / self-fulfilment (UK).
It is primarily positive, but can be used critically to describe excessive focus on the self, e.g., 'the modern cult of self-fulfillment'.
Primarily uncountable. You do not typically say 'a self-fulfillment'. You 'seek self-fulfillment' or 'find self-fulfillment'.
The act or process of fulfilling or realizing one's own potential, desires, or aspirations.
Self-fulfillment is usually formal, semi-formal. common in personal development, academic (psychology, philosophy), and lifestyle writing. in register.
Self-fulfillment: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To find oneself”
- “To live one's best life”
- “To reach one's full potential”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cup being filled (FUL-fill) by yourself (SELF) until it's full and complete.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (towards fulfillment); THE SELF IS A CONTAINER (to be filled with potential).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'self-fulfillment' in psychological contexts?