loose end

noun

1
: something left hanging loose
2
: a fragment of unfinished business
usually used in plural
tying up loose ends

Examples of loose end in a Sentence

We still have one more loose end to deal with before we're finished with the project.
Recent Examples on the Web The night before a big trip is the perfect time to tie up loose ends, finish any last-minute packing, and get ready for the day ahead. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024 Unanswered questions, loose ends:What to know about Arizona's Medicaid fraud investigation What are sober living homes? The Arizona Republic, 16 Jan. 2024 Anyone who’s watched the most recent season will tell you there’s a lot of loose ends to tie up. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Even though Peter and Rose successfully saved President Michelle Travers (Kari Matchett) from an assassination attempt, the season 1 finale still left a lot of loose ends. Emily Blackwood, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Every trilogy needs an ending to tie up all the loose ends, so the return of La Russa to the Chicago White Sox as adviser, consultant, resident sage or whatever title the team prefers was probably inevitable. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2023 But McKittrick clearly doesn't want there to be any loose ends. Megan McCluskey, TIME, 10 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, Randy and Steve, who previously worked for the government, were tying up loose ends in the US – Steve had to work to a specific retirement date – and making arrangements to fly to Italy with their dog Luigi. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2024 Jon stayed focused, though, and noticed the line had broken at the reel—and that the loose end was skittering across the ice. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loose end.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose end was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near loose end

Cite this Entry

“Loose end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20end. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

loose end

noun
1
: something left hanging loose
2
: a piece of unfinished business
tying up loose ends
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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