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

“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

All types of companies are on the receiving end of that price hike and may need to pass on the costs to consumers, analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Reverend Tweed was about to be on the receiving end of a sermon.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson