# terminating

/ˈtɝməˌneɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈɜːmɪnˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- A terminating decimal has a fixed number of digits.
- Unlike the decimal for one-third, which repeats forever, the decimal for one-quarter is terminating because it ends at 0.25.
- 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 notes

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

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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.