Translation guide
Describes a state where a desire, expectation, obligation, or potential has not been realized. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on what remains incomplete.
Expressing that a wish, dream, or longing remains unsatisfied.
Used for wishes or dreams that do not come true. Often in the form 願いが叶わない.
彼の夢は叶わなかった。
His dream went unfulfilled.
Describes an emotional or psychological lack; a feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction.
心が満たされない。
I feel unfulfilled.
Used for unfulfilled ambitions or missions, often with a sense of duty. Literary.
彼は使命を果たせなかった。
He left his mission unfulfilled.
Expressing that a requirement, promise, or condition has not been satisfied.
Used for conditions, criteria, or requirements that are not met.
必要条件を満たしていない。
The necessary conditions are unfulfilled.
Used for duties, responsibilities, or promises not carried out.
彼は約束を果たしていない。
He has not fulfilled his promise.
Formal term for unfulfilled contracts or obligations.
契約が履行されていない。
The contract remains unfulfilled.
Expressing that someone's potential, expectations, or predictions have not been achieved.
General term for something not realized or materialized.
彼の可能性はまだ実現していない。
His potential remains unfulfilled.
Used for goals or targets not achieved.
目標はまだ達成されていない。
The goal is still unfulfilled.
Means 'not living up to expectations'; often used for people or results.
彼は期待に応えていない。
He has not fulfilled expectations.
Describing something left undone or incomplete.
Noun/adjective meaning 'incomplete' or 'unfinished'. Often used for projects or works.
その計画は未完成のままだ。
The plan remains unfulfilled.
Describes tasks or things left undone, often with a sense of regret.
やり残したことがたくさんある。
I have many unfulfilled tasks.
満たされない is for emotional or psychological lack, while 叶わない is for wishes or dreams not coming true. Use 満たされない for feelings of emptiness, and 叶わない for specific desires.
Do not directly translate 'unfulfilled' as a single Japanese word in most contexts. Use the appropriate phrase based on what is unfulfilled (desire, condition, potential, etc.).