finishing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “finishing” mean?
The act of completing or bringing something to an end.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of completing or bringing something to an end; the final stage of a process.
Applying final touches, polish, or refinement to something; the surface treatment or quality of completion in manufacturing or craftsmanship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in related compounds (e.g., 'finishing line' UK vs 'finish line' US in sports).
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in manufacturing/construction contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “finishing” in a Sentence
finishing + noun (finishing school)noun + finishing (metal finishing)adjective + finishing (final finishing)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “finishing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is finishing her dissertation at the university.
- They were finishing the match when it started to rain.
American English
- He's finishing up the report for the meeting.
- We finished painting the house last weekend.
adverb
British English
- This is not used as a standard adverb.
American English
- This is not used as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The finishing straight is the last 100m of the race.
- Apply the finishing coat of paint carefully.
American English
- The finishing line is just ahead.
- Her finishing technique in swimming is excellent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to completing projects, reports, or fiscal periods.
Academic
Used for completing research, theses, or academic programs.
Everyday
Common in DIY, cooking, and task completion contexts.
Technical
Specific to manufacturing processes, surface treatments, and construction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “finishing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “finishing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “finishing”
- Using 'finishing' when 'final' would be more appropriate (e.g., 'final exam' not 'finishing exam').
- Confusing 'finishing' (gerund/participle) with 'finish' (noun/verb base).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can function as a gerund (verbal noun) or a present participle/adjective. As a gerund (e.g., 'Finishing the work took hours'), it's a noun. As a participle (e.g., 'the finishing touches'), it's adjective-like.
'Finishing' is broader, meaning to bring any task to completion. 'Finalizing' often implies completing the last formal or official steps, especially in administrative or legal contexts.
Yes, especially in manufacturing, construction, and crafts (e.g., 'wood finishing', 'a smooth finishing') it refers to the final surface treatment or appearance.
A traditional institution, less common today, where young women (historically) were taught upper-class social graces, etiquette, and cultural pursuits.
The act of completing or bringing something to an end.
Finishing is usually neutral to formal in register.
Finishing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “finishing touch”
- “photo finish”
- “finish strong”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FINal polISHING - giving something its final shine or completion.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETION IS A DESTINATION (reaching the finish line), PERFECTION IS SMOOTHNESS (smooth finishing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'finishing' LEAST likely to be used?