unfulfilled desire

[/ˌʌnfʊlˈfɪld dɪˈzaɪər/]
noun phrasepl: unfulfilled desires
desejo não realizado
1. A wish, longing, or want that has not been satisfied or achieved
His unfulfilled desire to become a musician haunted him throughout his life.
Seu desejo não realizado de se tornar músico o assombrou durante toda a vida.
2. An emotional state of yearning for something that remains unattained
The novel explores the theme of unfulfilled desire and regret.
O romance explora o tema do desejo não realizado e do arrependimento.
3. A romantic or emotional want that goes unsatisfied
Their unfulfilled desire for each other created tension in the story.
O desejo não realizado um pelo outro criou tensão na história.
This phrase is commonly explored in Brazilian literature and Portuguese cultural expressions, particularly in fado music and romantic poetry. In American culture, it appears frequently in philosophical discussions and psychological contexts regarding personal development and life satisfaction.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unmet desireunsatisfied longingunrequited wantunfulfilled longingthwarted desire
Antonyms / Antônimos
fulfilled desiresatisfied longingrealized ambitiongratified wish

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
desejo não realizado
Standard formal usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
vontade não satisfeita
More colloquial alternative emphasizing emotional satisfaction
São Paulo
desejo inatisfeito
Commonly used in urban, educated contexts
Portugal
desejo não realizado
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; 'vontade não satisfeita' also used

Related Words

longingyearningcravingaspirationregretfrustration

Related Idioms & Phrases

a dream deferred
heart's desire left unfulfilled
longing that goes unmet
wanting what you cannot have
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