ENGLISH
REFERENCE

omega

n. · adj. · adv.
US //oʊˈmeɪɡə// UK //əʊmˈeɪɡɐ// omega
  1. 1 Greek letter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the 24th and final letter of the Greek alphabet.

    the twenty-fourth and final letter of the Greek alphabet, represented as Ω (uppercase) or ω (lowercase).

    Example

    The scientist used the symbol omega to represent a specific value in the equation.

    Example

    The professor explained that the lowercase omega is frequently used in physics to represent angular velocity.
  2. 2 the end (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary Formal

    the very last part or the end of a series.

    the final or ultimate member of a sequence; the conclusion of a process or period.

    Example

    He described the discovery as the alpha and omega of his entire career.

    Example

    In theological contexts, the phrase 'the Alpha and the Omega' signifies the beginning and the end of all existence.
  3. 3 social hierarchy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Informal

    a person at the bottom of a social group, or someone who does not fit into traditional hierarchies.

    a person perceived as being at the lowest tier of a social hierarchy, or one who exists outside of it entirely; often contrasted with 'alpha'.

    Example

    In some online communities, people describe themselves as omegas to show they don't care about being leaders.

    Example

    The discussion focused on how the 'omega' archetype has evolved in internet subcultures to represent a rejection of traditional masculine competition.
  4. 4 finance (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Finance

    a measurement used to see how much an option's price changes compared to the asset it is based on.

    the percentage change in an option's value relative to a one-percent change in the price of the underlying asset.

    Example

    The trader checked the omega of the position to understand the potential risk.

    Example

    Calculating the omega provides a more granular view of leverage than delta alone when managing a complex derivatives portfolio.
  5. 5 ultimate or extreme (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    the most extreme or highest version of something.

    denoting the ultimate, most extreme, or final degree of a quality.

    Example

    That was an omega fail that everyone will remember for years.

    Example

    The project was described as an omega-level threat in the script, indicating it could destroy the entire city.
  6. 6 supremely (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    to the highest possible degree.

    used as an intensifier to mean supremely or ultimately.

    Example

    The new game is omega hard, even for experienced players.

    Example

    The final boss was omega difficult, requiring a perfect strategy and hours of practice to defeat.
Origin

From Middle English, from Ancient Greek ὦ μέγα (ô méga), meaning “great ω” (omega is a long vowel in Ancient Greek).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026