# finished

/ˈfɪnɪʃt/ (US) · /fˈɪnɪʃt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finished
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. completed

adjective · CEFR A2

having come to an end or being completed.

For teachers: having reached an end; concluded or brought to a state of completion.

- Are you finished with that book yet, or do you need more time?
- Once the report is finished and proofread, please submit it to the department head for final approval.

### 2. refined or polished

adjective · CEFR B2

made to look perfect or high-quality through careful work.

For teachers: brought to a highly polished or perfected state; often used regarding materials or artistic performances.

- The finished wood on the table was smooth and shiny.
- The pianist gave a very finished performance, showing technical mastery and deep emotional maturity.

### 3. doomed or exhausted

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

having no more power, money, or chance of success.

For teachers: experiencing a total loss of resources, power, or viability; figuratively doomed.

- If we don't find more water soon, we are finished.
- After the scandal went public, the politician knew his career was effectively finished.

## Examples

- I finished my homework before dinner.
- The construction crew finally finished the new bridge after two years of hard work.
- Once the author finished revising the final chapter, she sent the complete manuscript to her editor for a final review before publication.

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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.