fulfilment

Fulfilment, or fulfillment, is a term with two broad senses. In everyday language, it describes the state of being satisfied or content after achieving goals, meeting responsibilities, or realizing desires. In business and logistics, fulfilment refers to the process of delivering a product or service to a customer, from order receipt through storage, picking, packing, and shipping.

Many companies operate fulfilment centers or distribution centers designed to store inventory, manage stock levels, and enable fast order processing. Fulfilment strategies may involve in-house operations, outsourcing to third‑party logistics providers, or a hybrid approach. Effective fulfilment relies on integrated systems for order management, inventory control, and carrier delivery, and it often aims to minimize cycle times and errors while handling returns.

Beyond logistics, fulfilment is commonly used to describe a sense of meaning and purpose drawn from work, relationships, or personal growth. People may seek self‑fulfilment by aligning actions with values, pursuing mastery, and contributing to others. The term broader sense contrasts with momentary gratification, emphasizing lasting satisfaction.

Spelling varies by region: fulfilment is preferred in British English, while fulfillment is standard in American English; both forms are widely understood. The concept of fulfilment is used across disciplines including business, psychology, and philosophy.