ongevuld

Ongevuld is a Dutch adjective meaning “not filled” or “unrefilled,” used to describe objects, containers, or spaces that have not been supplied with a material that is normally expected. The term often appears in contexts such as packaging, logistics, and consumer goods, where it indicates that a product is empty, has not been replenished, or lacks its usual content. In retail, an ongevuld shelf can refer to a display that still contains the structural elements (such as trays or dividers) but no merchandise, prompting staff to restock. In the beverage industry, an ongevuld bottle denotes a reusable container that has been returned empty and is awaiting a new fill, a concept linked to sustainability initiatives promoting refillable packaging.

The word is a compound of “on‑” (a prefix denoting negation) and “gevuld” (the past participle of “vullen,” to fill). Its usage is comparable to the English “unfilled” or “empty,” though “ongevuld” tends to emphasize the state of awaiting a fill rather than simply being empty. In legal and safety regulations, the term may be employed to describe equipment that has not been loaded with the required substance, such as fire extinguishers that are ongevuld and therefore non‑operational until recharged.

Related Dutch terms include “leeg” (empty) and “hervullen” (to refill). The concept is significant in discussions of circular economy practices, where minimizing ongevuld items by promoting refillable systems helps reduce waste and resource consumption.