finality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Used in both spoken and written contexts, but more common in serious or analytical discourse (e.g., law, philosophy, journalism).
Quick answer
What does “finality” mean?
The quality or state of being final, complete, and not able to be changed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being final, complete, and not able to be changed.
The quality of being conclusive, definitive, or absolute. Often carries a sense of irrevocability, decisiveness, or an end point that precludes further action or discussion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with legal or official contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both BrE and AmE, with a slight edge in academic/legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “finality” in a Sentence
V + with + finality (He spoke with finality)Adj + finality (a grim finality)the finality of + NP (the finality of death)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “finality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To finalise (the deal carries a sense of finality).
American English
- To finalize (the decision was made with finality).
adverb
British English
- Finally (he stated, finally, with absolute finality).
American English
- Finally (she closed the door, finally, with a sense of finality).
adjective
British English
- Final (the finality of the divorce was devastating).
American English
- Final (they accepted the news with grim finality).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in negotiations or decisions, e.g., 'The board's vote had an air of finality.'
Academic
Common in philosophical or legal discourse, e.g., 'debating the finality of scientific theories.'
Everyday
Used for emotional or significant life events, e.g., 'the finality of saying goodbye.'
Technical
In law, referring to judgments (e.g., 'the finality of a court ruling') or in computing (e.g., 'transaction finality').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “finality”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “finality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “finality”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a finality' is rare and stylistically marked).
- Confusing it with 'finale' (the concluding part of a performance).
- Misspelling as 'finalyty' or 'finalety'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be negative (finality of death), positive (finality of a peace treaty), or neutral (finality of a legal process).
Rarely. It is almost exclusively an uncountable noun. 'A finality' is highly literary or philosophical (e.g., 'a grim finality settled over the room').
'Conclusion' is a broader term for an end. 'Finality' adds the specific nuance of being unchangeable, absolute, and often emotionally definitive.
The stress is on the second syllable: fye-NAL-uh-tee. The 'i' in the first syllable is a long 'i' sound as in 'eye'.
The quality or state of being final, complete, and not able to be changed.
Finality is usually formal; used in both spoken and written contexts, but more common in serious or analytical discourse (e.g., law, philosophy, journalism). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a ring of finality”
- “with an air of finality”
- “the finality of the grave”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'FINAlity' – it's about being FINAL. It sounds and ends like 'reality', but it's the reality of something being FINISHED for good.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN END IS A DOOR SLAMMING SHUT / A JUDGE'S GAVEL / A SEAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'finality' LEAST likely to be used?