English Reference
Adjective

terminating

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈtɝməˌneɪtɪŋ/ UK /tˈɜːmɪnˌeɪtɪŋ/ ter·mi·nat·ing Mathematics

adj.describing something that is coming to an end or forming the very last part of a sequence. In math, it describes a decimal that stops after a certain number of digits.

adj.describing a sequence, process, or decimal expansion that has a finite number of terms or digits. Often used in mathematical contexts to distinguish from repeating or infinite series.


SIMPLE

A terminating decimal has a fixed number of digits.

CONTEXTUAL

Unlike the decimal for one-third, which repeats forever, the decimal for one-quarter is terminating because it ends at 0.25.

COMPLEX

The professor explained that while some fractions result in infinite repeating patterns, others produce terminating decimals that are much easier to use in basic arithmetic calculations.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'decimal' or 'sequence'.

Ukraine and Lebanon are in active war, so terminating TPS means deporting those people to war zones, which is what TPS was meant to prevent.

The Conversation· 4 Sept 2026

On Monday, US judge Cynthia Valenzuela issued a major victory for California and trans rights, with a final order dismissing the DoJ’s suit and terminating the case.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated