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

Director Matt Hutchinson says "it isn't fair tenants have been at the receiving end of all the upheaval since the 1 May hard deadline was announced".

From BBC • Apr. 19, 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

Since Lord Ashton’s time was devoted to some important business in town, it was Miss Penelope Lumley who increasingly found herself on the receiving end of her mistress’s desire to chat.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood