# culmination

/ˌkəɫməˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌʌlmɪnˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/culmination
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the final result of a long process or a lot of hard work. It is the highest point or the end of a series of events.

For teachers: the highest point of attainment or the final stage of a process, typically reached after a long period of time. Often implies the successful completion of a series of actions.

## Examples

- The concert was the culmination of months of practice.
- The new law represents the culmination of years of campaigning by environmental activists.
- The gallery's retrospective exhibition serves as the culmination of the artist's forty-year career, bringing together works from every major period of her creative development.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the process that led to the result.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
