How do you spell "fulfill"?
The correct spelling depends on whether you're writing in US or UK English. In US English, the spelling is fulfill (with double L), while in UK English, it's fulfil (with single L).
Definition of fulfill/fulfil
The Oxford English Dictionary defines fulfill (US) and fulfil (UK) as "to do or achieve what was hoped for or expected" or "to succeed in developing one's abilities or qualities." It's a transitive verb used in various contexts from executing plans to meeting expectations.
- The US spelling is fulfill with double L.
- The UK spelling is fulfil with single L.
US vs UK spelling comparison
The spelling difference between US and UK English follows a consistent pattern where US English often uses double letters while UK English uses single letters.
• He will fulfill his promise.
• She fulfilled her dream.
• They are fulfilling their duties.
• They will fulfil their duties.
• She fulfilled her potential.
• We are fulfilling our obligations.
Word forms and usage
Both US and UK English use the same word forms for the -ing and -ed endings, regardless of the base spelling. The related word forms consistently use double L in both variants.
• I'm not fulfilled by my career.
• We must find things in life we find fulfilling.
• She has fulfilled her potential.
• I am fulfiling my potential. (incorrect)
• She fulfiled her dream. (incorrect)
Meaning and usage
Fulfill (US) and fulfil (UK) is a transitive verb that can mean:
- To put something into effect or execute a plan or strategy
- To satisfy requirements or meet expectations
- To develop or reach your potential
Similar spelling patterns
Other words follow similar US vs UK spelling patterns, though the direction is often opposite to fulfill/fulfil. Most verbs use double L in UK English and single L in US English.
• travelling, travelled
• modelling, modelled
• labelling, labelled
• traveling, traveled
• modeling, modeled
• labeling, labeled
Sentence examples
• He will fulfill his promise to cut taxes.
• She hasn't yet fulfilled the requirements to graduate.
• He has a lot of talent, but hasn't really fulfilled his potential.
• They will fulfil their duties admirably.
• The movie doesn't quite fulfil its promise.
• Fulfil your dreams with a new career.
Associate US English with being "full" (two Ls) for fulfill, and UK English as being more "minimal" (one L) for fulfil.
Media examples
Educational prerequisites often include obtaining a master's degree to fulfill the 150 semester-hour requirement.
—Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024
By ignoring their needs and prioritizing political posturing over practical solutions, Gov. Evers is failing to fulfill his promise to return the surplus to Wisconsin's families and seniors.
—Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024
Anyone drawn to Dune: Part 2 fulfills a freakish commercial obligation, like doing cinematic detention.
—Armond White, National Review, 1 Mar. 2024
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for fulfill/fulfil
Nearby phrases
Origin of the word fulfill/fulfil
Old English fullfyllan "fill up" (a room, a ship, etc.), "make full; take the place of (something)," from full (adj.), here perhaps with a sense of "completion" + fyllan (see fill (v.)).
Practice: "Fulfill" vs "Fulfil" spelling
Which spelling is correct in US English?
Which spelling is correct in UK English?
What is the correct spelling for the -ing form?
What is the correct spelling for the past participle?
In US English, he will _____ his promise.
FAQs
What are the correct spellings of "fulfill"?
Is "fulfill" or "fulfil" correct in US English?
Is "fulfill" or "fulfil" correct in UK English?
How do you spell "fulfilling" and "fulfilled"?
What's an easy way to remember the difference?
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of fulfil." Online Etymology Dictionary. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionary, fulfil. Oxford University Press. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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