What does "concluding" mean?

1. (final or closing) happening at the very end of something. 2. (finishing an action) the act of finishing or ending a task or speech. 3. (decisive or convincing) something that is so strong it ends any doubt.

How do you use "concluding"?

In modern English, 'conclusive' is almost always preferred over 'concluding' for this specific meaning.

concluding

adj. · v.

US //kənˈkɫudɪŋ// UK //kənklˈuːdɪŋ// con·clud·ing

1 final or closing (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

happening at the very end of something.

occurring at the end of a sequence or event; serving to bring something to a close.

Example

In his concluding remarks, the principal thanked all the teachers for their hard work.

Example

The concluding chapter of the report synthesises the empirical data and offers several policy recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year.
2 finishing an action (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of finishing or ending a task or speech.

the present participle of 'conclude', indicating the ongoing process of bringing something to a formal end.

Example

She is concluding her presentation now, so we can ask questions soon.

Example

By concluding the negotiations before the weekend, the diplomats managed to avoid a significant escalation of the border dispute.
- starting
- commencing

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3 decisive or convincing (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic

something that is so strong it ends any doubt.

serving to settle a dispute or provide a final, convincing proof.

Example

The lawyer hoped the new evidence would be the concluding proof of his innocence.

Example

The historian searched for a concluding argument that would finally silence his critics regarding the origins of the conflict.

Usage

In modern English, 'conclusive' is almost always preferred over 'concluding' for this specific meaning.

Teacher's tip

This sense is archaic; learners should use 'conclusive' when describing evidence or arguments that prove a point.
- inconclusive
- weak