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terminal

adjective

/ˈtəːmɪnl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of terminal

Final, irreversible, or situated at the end or ultimate stage of a process or condition.
"The terminal prognosis was devastating news for the family."

Detailed meaning of terminal

When applied to a situation, illness, or event, it signifies that it has reached a point beyond which there is no further hope of recovery, change, or continuation. For example, a terminal illness is one that has no known cure and is expected to result in the eventual death of the individual. In the context of transportation, a terminal station is the final destination or stopping point of a route. "Terminal" conveys a sense of ultimate conclusion, emphasizing that the subject has reached the end of its course and is often associated with a sense of finality and irreversibility, especially when it pertains to matters of life and death.

Example sentences containing terminal

1. The terminal stage of the disease left little hope for recovery.
2. After a long battle, they had reached a terminal decision to part ways.
3. The terminal chapter of the novel tied up all loose ends.
4. The company faced a terminal decline due to mismanagement.
5. His terminal mistake cost him the job he had worked so hard for.
6. The terminal report concluded that the project was a resounding success.

History and etymology of terminal

The adjective 'terminal' draws its etymological roots from the Latin word 'terminalis,' which is derived from 'terminus,' meaning 'end' or 'boundary.' This ancient connection underscores the core concept of finality and conclusion. Over time, 'terminal' has evolved to describe something that is not just situated at the end but also implies irreversibility or being the ultimate stage of a process or condition. This transformation in meaning reflects the inherent idea that when something is terminal, it represents an irreversible endpoint or a definitive state, whether in a medical context, where it denotes a critical stage of illness, or in everyday language, where it signifies the concluding aspect of various processes.

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Further usage examples of terminal

1. The last leg of our journey was the most exciting, as we approached the terminal destination.
2. In the terminal phase of the experiment, unexpected results emerged.
3. The patient's condition deteriorated to a terminal state.
4. The terminal exam marked the culmination of years of study.
5. The relationship had reached a terminal breaking point.
6. At the terminal moment, he finally found the answer he had been seeking.
7. The terminal stage of grief is often marked by acceptance.
8. The project's success was in its terminal phase, with just a few finishing touches remaining.
9. The terminal scene of the movie left the audience in awe.
10. The terminal vote decided the fate of the proposed law.
11. In the terminal hours of the day, the sky was ablaze with colors.
12. The terminal pages of the contract contained the most important terms.
13. She had reached the terminal level of expertise in her field.
14. The terminal consequences of his actions were severe.
15. The terminal station was the last stop on the line.
16. After years of effort, he had achieved terminal velocity in his career.
17. The terminal act of kindness from a stranger made her day.
18. The terminal stages of a star's life cycle can result in a supernova explosion.