finality

noun

fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce finality (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company continues to focus on strategic initiatives to enhance shareholder value, including capital management activities such as share repurchases and exploring finality solutions for reinsurance liabilities. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025 Along the same lines, as much respect and admiration the Bills have for 2024 starting safety Damar Hamlin, there was a sense of finality when they were asked about his future with the Bills at the NFL Combine. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 The three-and-a-half-hour special closed with McCartney performing a Beatles medley that imparted such a sense of finality, I wouldn’t have been shocked if Michaels had come out onstage afterwards and announced that SNL was ending right then and there. Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for finality

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of finality was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finality. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

finality

noun
fi·​nal·​i·​ty fī-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce finality (audio)
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- How to pronounce finality (audio)
1
: the state or condition of being final
2
: the principle that appeals may only be taken from final orders or judgments

More from Merriam-Webster on finality

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