self-fulfilment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Semi-Formal
Quick answer
What does “self-fulfilment” mean?
The act of fully developing one's own abilities or achieving one's own goals, leading to personal satisfaction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of fully developing one's own abilities or achieving one's own goals, leading to personal satisfaction.
A state of happiness and contentment achieved by realizing one's potential and personal dreams, often linked to concepts of purpose, growth, and meaningful accomplishment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'self-fulfilment' (with one 'l') is the standard spelling. In American English, the spelling 'self-fulfillment' (with a double 'l') is more common.
Connotations
Similar positive connotations in both varieties, though in American English, it may have a slightly stronger association with the 'American Dream' and individualistic achievement.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English; the American variant 'self-fulfillment' is also frequent in self-help and motivational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-fulfilment” in a Sentence
NP + V + self-fulfilment (e.g., She found self-fulfilment)V + for + NP (e.g., search for self-fulfilment)V + in + NP (e.g., find self-fulfilment in her work)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-fulfilment” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He self-fulfils through his artistic projects.
- They are seeking to self-fulfil.
American English
- She self-fulfills by volunteering.
- The program aims to help people self-fulfill.
adverb
British English
- She lived self-fulfillingly.
- He worked self-fulfillingly towards his goal.
American English
- They are pursuing their dreams self-fulfillingly.
- He answered self-fulfillingly.
adjective
British English
- Her self-fulfilling career brought her joy.
- It was a self-fulfilling journey.
American English
- He found a self-fulfilling hobby in woodworking.
- They lead a self-fulfilling lifestyle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business coaching, often linked to employee motivation and job satisfaction.
Academic
Used in psychology (Maslow's hierarchy), sociology, and philosophy to discuss human needs and potential.
Everyday
Used in conversations about life goals, career changes, and personal happiness.
Technical
In psychology, specifically related to Maslow's concept of self-actualization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-fulfilment”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-fulfilment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-fulfilment”
- Misspelling: 'self-fullfilment' (extra 'l'), 'self-fulfillement' (extra 'le').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a self-fulfilment' is rare).
- Confusing with 'self-fulfilling prophecy' (a different concept).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in standard usage it is hyphenated: self-fulfilment (UK) / self-fulfillment (US).
It is almost exclusively used as an uncountable, abstract noun. Plural forms like 'self-fulfilments' are very rare and sound unnatural.
Happiness is a broader, often transient emotional state. Self-fulfilment is deeper, relating to the long-term realization of one's potential and purpose, which can lead to sustained happiness.
Not necessarily. While focused on the self, philosophies and psychologists often link true self-fulfilment to positive contributions to others and society, seeing it as part of a healthy, integrated life.
The act of fully developing one's own abilities or achieving one's own goals, leading to personal satisfaction.
Self-fulfilment is usually formal / semi-formal in register.
Self-fulfilment: 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
- “Finding one's true calling”
- “Living one's best life”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELF-FULfilment = FULfilling the SELF. The word is about filling your own life with meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY (the path to self-fulfilment), ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING A DESTINATION (achieving self-fulfilment).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'self-fulfilment' in a psychological context?