Accomplish vs Fulfil

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Accomplish

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 verb

Fulfil

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most common: Accomplish

	Accomplish	Fulfil
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/əˈkʌmplɪʃ/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃɪz/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃt/","/əˈkʌmplɪʃɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/əˈkɑːmplɪʃ/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃɪz/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/","/əˈkɑːmplɪʃɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/fʊlˈfɪl/","/fʊlˈfɪlz/","/fʊlˈfɪld/","/fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/
Meaning	To successfully complete something.	to make something happen or to do what is required
Example	The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished.	She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	B2	B2
Part of speech	verb	verb
Collocations	successfully, easily	really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can, really, completely, not quite, be able to, be unable to, can
Antonyms	fail, neglect, abandon	fail, neglect
Common mistakes	Confusing with 'accomplished' which is an adjective., Using 'accomplish' without an object (e.g., saying 'I accomplish.' instead of 'I accomplish my goals.').	Confused with 'fill'., Incorrectly using 'fulfil' without an object., Using 'fulfil' in informal speech.
Usage notes	Use 'accomplish' when referring to achieving goals or tasks, typically in a positive context. It may not be appropriate for casual or less formal situations where simpler words like 'do' might work better.	Use 'fulfil' in formal or neutral contexts, such as completing a promise or a requirement. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'do' or 'complete' might fit better.

See it in real clips

We can still skip it and accomplish our mission.

Right. What do you think you're gonna accomplish?

We can still skip it and accomplish our mission.

Right. What do you think you're gonna accomplish?

Accomplish

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

Now, fulfil them all. To lord and land.

Fulfil

Frequently asked questions: Accomplish vs Fulfil

What's the difference between Accomplish and Fulfil?

Accomplish: To successfully complete something. Fulfil: to make something happen or to do what is required

Which is more common: Accomplish and Fulfil?

Accomplish is the most common in everyday English.

Are Accomplish and Fulfil the same CEFR level?

Accomplish: B2, Fulfil: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Accomplish and Fulfil?

Accomplish: verb, Fulfil: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Accomplish: The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished. Fulfil: She was able to fulfil all the requirements for the scholarship.

Can I use Accomplish and Fulfil interchangeably?

Not always. Accomplish and Fulfil are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.