Tail end: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”š
Add to dictionary

tail end

 

[ หˆteษชl ษ›nd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

position

The extreme or last end of something, especially of a piece of land or a body

Synonyms

end, extremity, tip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tail end

Use this word to describe the final or last part of something, often implying a long sequence or process. It's common in informal situations.

  • They arrived at the tail end of the movie
  • I only caught the tail end of the conversation
end

This is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal settings to denote the final point or conclusion of something.

  • The end of the book was surprising
  • We finally reached the end of our journey
extremity

This word is more formal and technical. It's often used in medical or descriptive contexts to refer to the farthest or outermost point.

  • The doctor examined the patient's extremities
  • They planted the flag at the extremity of the island
tip

This word is used to describe the pointed or very end part of something, often in informal contexts.

  • The cat sat at the tip of the branch
  • She touched the tip of the pen to the paper

Examples of usage

  • The house was located at the tail end of the street.
  • The tail end of the train was still in the tunnel.
Context #2 | Noun

time

The final part or conclusion of something

Synonyms

conclusion, end, finale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tail end

Used to describe the final part of something, often informal and can imply that something is less significant or interesting compared to earlier parts.

  • I only caught the tail end of the movie.
  • We were there for the tail end of the concert.
end

A broad term used to describe the final point of something. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts from events to objects.

  • The end of the game was very exciting.
  • At the end of the day, it's your decision.
conclusion

The final part of something, especially a formal statement or the final part of a text or event. Often used in context where a summary or final judgment is given.

  • The conclusion of the report highlighted the main findings.
  • In conclusion, we must act quickly.
finale

Specifically used to describe the final event in a sequence, especially in performances, series, or artistic works, often implying a grand or impressive ending.

  • The series finale was unforgettable.
  • We stayed for the fireworks finale.

Examples of usage

  • I missed the tail end of the movie.
  • Let's catch the tail end of the party.
Context #3 | Noun

quality

The least desirable part of something

Synonyms

least desirable part, remnant, worst part.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tail end

This phrase is typically used to describe the concluding part of an event, process, or period of time. It doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation.

  • We arrived at the tail end of the concert.
  • He's catching the tail end of the presentation.
worst part

Clearly negative, this phrase describes the most unpleasant or undesirable aspect of something.

  • The worst part of the movie was the ending.
  • The worst part of the trip was the constant rain.
least desirable part

This expression often conveys a negative connotation, referring to the part of something that is considered the worst or least wanted.

  • The least desirable part of my job is doing the paperwork.
  • The least desirable part of the meal was the overcooked vegetables.
remnant

Commonly used to signify what is left behind after the majority has been used or removed. While not inherently negative, it can suggest something less significant.

  • The remnants of the cake were wrapped up and saved for later.
  • There were only remnants of their old friendship left.

Examples of usage

  • He got the tail end of the deal.
  • We were left with the tail end of the food.

Translations

Translations of the word "tail end" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น extremidade final

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เค‚เคคเคฟเคฎ เคญเคพเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ende

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ujung ekor

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั–ะฝั†ะตะฒะธะน ะบั–ะฝะตั†ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koniec

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆœซ็ซฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท extrรฉmitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ extremo final

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท son kฤฑsฤฑm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ ๋ถ€๋ถ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู†ู‡ุงูŠุฉ ุงู„ู†ู‡ุงุฆูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konec

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ koniec

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœซ็ซฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ konec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ endakafli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะพาฃั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒšแƒ แƒœแƒแƒฌแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ son

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ extremo final

Etymology

The term 'tail end' originated from the combination of 'tail', referring to the rear end of an animal, and 'end', indicating the final part of something. It has been used since the 18th century to describe the extremity or conclusion of various objects or periods. Over time, 'tail end' has evolved to connote the least desirable part of something, reflecting its position at the end.