finality

American  

[fahy-nal-i-tee] / faɪˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

finalities

1. the state, quality, or fact of being final; conclusiveness or decisiveness.

2. something that is final; an ultimate act, utterance, belief, etc.

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finality British  

/ faɪˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being final or settled; conclusiveness

   the finality of death

2. a final or conclusive act

3. metaphysics the doctrine of the efficacy of final causes Compare teleology

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Etymology

Origin of finality

First recorded in 1535–45; final + -ity

Explanation

Finality is the absolute, definite end. People often speak of the finality of death — nothing comes after it and nothing that came before it can be changed. If someone speaks with absolute finality, he is not going to change his mind. The sound of a judge's gavel slamming down gives a sense of finality to his or her judgment. Because of its association with death and closure, finality often carries a somber undertone. It can also be used in conjunction with the end of a sports season. But even the finality of the seventh game of a classic World Series is usually forgotten by the time spring training rolls around.

Example Sentences

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals held that it does not apply retroactively, preserving the finality of countless convictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

After the Fed's last rate-setting meeting in March, Powell vowed he would not leave his post as a Fed governor "until the investigation is well and truly over, with transparency and finality."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

"They are continuing to process what happened and are struggling with the finality of the situation," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“The finality of all of it, I didn’t really expect this,” McVay said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

I can't bring myself, even now, to face the finality of the word gone.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper