endgame

British  

/ ˈɛndˌɡeɪm /

noun

1. Also called: ending.  the closing stage of a game of chess, in which only a few pieces are left on the board

2. the closing stage of any of certain other games

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Explanation

An endgame is the very last part of a strategic game, like chess or backgammon. The last few moves you make in your chess game are your endgame. Although the term endgame doesn't have a formal definition in chess, it's long been used by players to describe what happens when very few pieces are left on the board. One interesting thing characteristic of a chess endgame is that the king, which spends most of the game being protected by other pieces, becomes much stronger. From the chess meaning, endgame is also used figuratively to mean "end stages of negotiation."

Example Sentences

Yet, more than five weeks after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes began, the president has struggled to identify a clear endgame to the conflict.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

"I don't see an endgame yet," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Perhaps this would be a good time to remember that the real endgame lies with the Iranian people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s still not clear what the endgame is for any negotiations.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Bobby’s own play was not at its sharpest, but he exploited the weak moves of his opponent and pressed home the advantage until Tal lapsed into a hopeless endgame and resigned.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady