Fulfillment vs. Fulfilment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 25, 2023
Fulfillment and fulfilment are the same in meaning, signifying the achievement of something desired. The difference lies in spelling: "fulfillment" is American English, while "fulfilment" is British English.
Difference Between Fulfillment and Fulfilment
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Key Differences
Fulfillment, as used in American English, represents the achievement or completion of something, especially goals or desires. Fulfilment, spelled with one 'l', is the British English equivalent, carrying the same connotation of completing or realizing something.
In the context of business, fulfillment refers to the process of completing an order or transaction in American English. The British spelling, fulfilment, denotes the same process of order processing and delivery in the UK and other Commonwealth nations.
The concept of personal fulfillment, indicating a sense of satisfaction and achievement in American English, is identically represented by personal fulfilment in British English. Both spellings convey the idea of achieving personal goals or finding happiness.
In psychological terms, fulfillment (American English) is used to describe a state of contentment or happiness achieved when desires or ambitions are realized. Similarly, fulfilment in British English denotes the same state of satisfaction or happiness.
In literature, the term fulfillment often appears in American publications when discussing themes of life satisfaction or goal achievement. British literature uses fulfilment to address similar themes, emphasizing the same sense of completion or contentment.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Fulfillment
Fulfilment
Usage
Common in the United States
Common in the UK and Commonwealth
Meaning in Business
Completing an order or transaction
Same as American English
Personal Context
Achieving personal satisfaction or goals
Identical meaning
Literary Usage
Used in American publications
Used in British publications
Compare with Definitions
Fulfillment
The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
Finding her dream job brought her immense fulfillment.
Fulfilment
The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
His career provided him with a great sense of fulfilment.
Fulfillment
A feeling of happiness or satisfaction.
Volunteering gave him a deep sense of fulfillment.
Fulfilment
A feeling of happiness or satisfaction.
Her work in the community brings her much fulfilment.
Fulfillment
The meeting of a requirement or condition.
The fulfillment of these criteria is essential for the project.
Fulfilment
The meeting of a requirement or condition.
The fulfilment of these standards is mandatory.
Fulfillment
The process of completing an order.
Their online store has an efficient order fulfillment system.
Fulfilment
The realization of a plan or project.
The successful fulfilment of the project was celebrated by all.
Fulfillment
The realization of a plan or project.
The fulfillment of her lifelong dream was a proud moment.
Fulfilment
The process of completing an order.
The company excels in customer order fulfilment.
Fulfillment
To bring into actuality; effect or make real
Fulfilled their promises.
Fulfilled her dream.
Fulfilment
To bring into actuality; effect or make real
Fulfilled their promises.
Fulfilled her dream.
Fulfillment
To do, perform, or obey (a task or order, for example); carry out.
Fulfilment
To do, perform, or obey (a task or order, for example); carry out.
Fulfillment
To meet (a requirement or condition); satisfy.
Fulfilment
To meet (a requirement or condition); satisfy.
Fulfillment
The act of fulfilling; accomplishment; completion; as, the fulfillment of prophecy.
Fulfilment
The act of fulfilling.
To achieve fulfillment of one's hopes.
Fulfillment
Execution; performance; as, the fulfillment of a promise.
Fulfilment
The state or quality of being fulfilled; completion; realization.
Fulfillment
A feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires
Fulfilment
The act of consummating a desire or promise.
Fulfillment
The act of consummating something (a desire or promise etc)
Fulfilment
(business) The activities performed once an order is received to fulfill the order; packaging, distributing and shipping goods.
Fulfilment
A feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires
Fulfilment
The act of consummating something (a desire or promise etc)
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in pronunciation between fulfillment and fulfilment?
No, both words are pronounced the same way.
Can both spellings be used in international English?
Yes, both spellings are acceptable in international English, but it's best to be consistent.
Is the meaning of fulfillment in business different in American English?
No, the business meaning of fulfillment is the same in both American and British English.
Are there any contexts where one spelling is preferred over the other?
Yes, in academic or professional writing, use the spelling that aligns with the regional standards of the publication.
Do English language learners need to learn both spellings?
Understanding both can be helpful, but it's more important to be consistent in usage.
Are fulfillment and fulfilment interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but depend on the variant of English being used.
In which English-speaking countries is 'fulfilment' more common?
Fulfilment is more commonly used in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
Is one spelling more 'correct' than the other?
No, neither spelling is more correct; it's simply a matter of regional convention.
Has the spelling difference always existed between American and British English?
The spelling differences evolved over time as American English diverged from British English.
How important is it to maintain consistency in spelling in a single document?
It's important to be consistent to maintain professionalism and clarity in any written document.
Is the spelling 'fulfilment' ever used in American publications?
Rarely, as American publications typically adhere to American English spelling conventions.
How should I spell it if I am writing for a global audience?
You can use either, but consider the primary audience or choose the variant of English you're most comfortable with.
Can using the 'wrong' spelling affect the understanding of a text?
Generally no, the context usually makes the meaning clear regardless of the spelling.
Are there any software tools that can automatically adjust the spelling?
Yes, many word processors and grammar checkers can be set to American or British English to assist with spelling.
Should businesses consider spelling differences in international marketing?
Yes, using the appropriate spelling can be an important part of localizing content for different markets.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
