finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

a

: the character or condition of being final, settled, irrevocable, or complete

b

: the condition of being at an ultimate point especially of development or authority

2

: something final

especially : a fundamental fact, action, or belief

Examples of finality in a Sentence

“It won't work,” he said, with an air of finality.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Doomsday Clock was established as a global symbol such that the strike of twelve would represent the finality of our existence. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

The advantages stablecoin transactions have over wire transfers include speed, traceability, finality, and, in some places, better foreign exchange rates, Paschini says. —Brady Dale, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025

The melody gently transitions into somber piano chords, echoing the finality of goodbye and the internal battle between clinging to the past and forging ahead. —Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025

Peter Medak directs a genuinely affecting slow-burn thriller that begins in ice and ends in fire, juxtaposing the finality of death against the restlessness of the afterlife. —Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French finalité, from final final entry 1 + -ité -ity

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for finality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• formality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

Kids Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈnal-ət-ē 

fə-

plural finalities

1

: the character or state of being final, settled, or complete

2

: something final

Legal Definition

finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē, fə- 

1

: the state or condition of being final

2

: the principle that appeals may only be taken from final orders or judgments