finals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in academic, sports, and media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “finals” mean?
The last set of games, matches, or exams in a competition or academic period.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The last set of games, matches, or exams in a competition or academic period.
A decisive stage or concluding part of any process or sequence, particularly in competitive or evaluative contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK education, often specifically refers to end-of-year or degree exams at university. In US sports, often specifies the championship series (e.g., NBA Finals).
Connotations
Both share connotations of culmination, high stakes, and decisive outcome.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties; slightly more specific to education in UK and to sports in US media.
Grammar
How to Use “finals” in a Sentence
take + finals (e.g., take finals)be in/play in + finals (e.g., play in finals)prepare for + finals (e.g., prepare for finals)finals + of + competition (e.g., finals of the tournament)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “finals” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It's finals week at the university.
- He was in finals preparation mode.
American English
- Finals week is always stressful.
- The finals schedule is posted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically (e.g., 'the finals of the negotiation').
Academic
Common (e.g., 'university finals', 'end-of-year finals').
Everyday
Common in sports and education contexts (e.g., 'She's in the tennis finals', 'I have finals next week').
Technical
Specific in sports to denote the concluding match/series; in education to denote summative assessments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “finals”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “finals”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “finals”
- Using 'final' for the plural event (e.g., 'We have final next week' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'finals' with 'semi-finals'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For a single exam that concludes a course, 'final' or 'final exam' is correct. 'Finals' refers to multiple exams or the period containing them.
Yes, it is common in both contexts. In sports, it refers to the last match(es) of a competition. In education, it refers to end-of-term or end-of-degree exams.
Semi-finals are the round before the finals. The winners of the semi-finals go on to compete in the finals to decide the champion.
If you have one concluding exam, say 'I have a final (exam).' If you have several exams during the final period, say 'I have finals.'
The last set of games, matches, or exams in a competition or academic period.
Finals is usually neutral; common in academic, sports, and media contexts. in register.
Finals: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪnəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪnəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make it to the finals”
- “crash out in the finals”
- “finals are just around the corner”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the final 'S' in 'finals' as standing for 'several' high-stakes events at the very end.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY'S END: A competition or academic term is a journey; finals are the destination. / A TEST OF WORTH: Finals as a proving ground for ability.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'finals' LEAST likely to be used?