receiving end

American  

noun

1. the position in which one is subject to some kind of action or effect, especially an unpleasant one (usually used in the phrase at oron the receiving end ).

   The corporation is on the receiving end of many complaints about its advertising.

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Etymology

Origin of receiving end

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Borenstein concluded his post noting the Oscar “never arrived” in Frankfurt, Germany, and speculated whether his co-director was on the receiving end of unfair treatment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Daraxonrasib has been on the receiving end of a storm of media coverage following an endorsement from former Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

This time, his eventful stay included being on the receiving end of jibes from Haye, who later called him "weak" and "brittle-spirited".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“When we learn critical thinking with and from other humans, we cannot easily forget that humans are on the receiving end of the ideas we communicate.”

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

I’ve been on the receiving end of broadcasts like this from other places—but this is the first time in as long as I can remember that I’m standing in the epicenter of the disaster area.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman