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

On the receiving end, the photonic qubits were decoded with an actively stabilized interferometer containing a phase shifter, allowing the system to operate for extended periods without manual adjustment.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

People on the receiving end of misfires are freaking out, when they aren’t cracking up.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

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

Would I ever be on the receiving end of such a bouquet from my own little ones?

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson