Definition

Adjective 1. Not filled; containing nothing or not occupied: Describes a container, space, or position that is empty or vacant. 2. Not satisfied or completed: Describes a need, order, or requirement that has not been met or fulfilled.

Examples

• The unfilled glass sat on the counter. (The glass was empty.)
• There are still several unfilled positions in the marketing department. (The job positions are vacant; no one has been hired for them.)
• The company has a backlog of unfilled orders. (Customer orders have been received but not yet processed or shipped.)

Advanced Usage

• "to leave something unfilled": To deliberately not fill a space or role.
  • The board decided to leave the position of vice president unfilled for now.
• In a psychological or emotional context, it can describe a lack of satisfaction.
  • He felt an unfilled longing for his homeland. (This describes a need or desire that is not satisfied.)

Variants and Related Words

• Unfillable (adj): Incapable of being filled.
  • The loss of her child left an unfillable void in her life.
• Fill (v): The root verb meaning to make full.
• Filled (adj): The direct antonym, meaning containing something or occupied.

Synonyms

• Empty: Containing nothing.
• Vacant: Not occupied (used for positions or spaces).
• Open: Available, not filled or taken.
• Unoccupied: Not occupied or inhabited.

Antonyms

• Filled
• Full
• Occupied
• Taken

Notes on Usage

• "Unfilled" vs. "Empty": While similar, "unfilled" often implies an expectation or purpose for being filled (e.g., an unfilled job vacancy, an unfilled order). "Empty" is a more general state of containing nothing (e.g., an empty street, an empty box).
• It is commonly used in business and administrative contexts (unfilled orders, unfilled posts, unfilled vacancies).

Adjective

1. of purchase orders that have not been filled