Completion: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
August 17, 2026

1. Completion (noun): The act or process of finishing something fully or bringing it to an end.
2. Completion (noun): The state of having all necessary parts or steps finished.
3. Completion (noun): In American football, a successful forward pass that is caught by a teammate.

The word "completion" represents the fulfillment or finishing point of an action, task, or event. It's commonly used in education, construction, sports, and everyday conversation to signal the successful conclusion of something. Understanding "completion" helps you recognize the end result of a process or effort and the transition into what comes next.

"Completion" Definition: What Does "Completion" Mean?

"Completion" signifies the moment or condition in which something has been finished or achieved. Whether referring to a job well done or a football play, it marks the end of a purposeful effort.

Definition of "Completion": Finishing a Task

The most common meaning of "completion" is the act of finishing something. This includes tasks, projects, tests, courses, and more.

Definition of "Completion": Finished State

"Completion" also refers to the condition of being complete—of nothing missing. For example, the completion of an application means all required fields are filled out.

Definition of "Completion": Football Term

In American football, a "completion" is a successful forward pass that is legally caught by an eligible receiver on the same team.

Parts of Speech

"Completion" is used as a noun. It names either the act of completing or the state of being completed. It does not function as a verb or adjective, although it derives from the verb "complete" and is often paired with it. Related forms include “complete” (verb/adjective) and “completely” (adverb).

How to Pronounce "Completion"?

"Completion" is pronounced as "kuhm-PLEE-shuhn," with "kuhm" like "come," "PLEE" rhyming with "flee," and "shuhn" sounding like "shun" in "function." Stress the second syllable while keeping the others light and connected. To master it, say "com" softly, emphasize "plee" as in "please," then end with "shun" quickly.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /kəmˈpliː.ʃən/

Synonyms of "Completion": Other Ways to Say "Completion"

Several synonyms can replace "completion" depending on the context and tone.

  • Finalization
  • Conclusion
  • Fulfillment
  • Achievement
  • Execution
  • Accomplishment
  • Termination
  • Finish
  • Closure
  • Realization

Antonyms of "Completion": Other Ways to Say "Completion"

These antonyms express the idea of incompleteness, delay, or beginning.

  • Interruption
  • Failure
  • Abandonment
  • Delay
  • Incompleteness
  • Initiation
  • Start
  • Suspension
  • Neglect
  • Break-off

Examples of "Completion" in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences that show how "completion" can be used in real-world contexts.

  1. The project’s completion is scheduled for the end of the year.
  2. He received a certificate upon the completion of the course.
  3. The team celebrated the completion of the new community center.
  4. Her completion rate for online courses is impressive.
  5. The pass was ruled a completion after a brief video review.
  6. Construction is near completion, with only minor details left.
  7. He worked nonstop until the completion of his novel.
  8. The document was signed upon the completion of negotiations.
  9. That was the quarterback’s fifth completion in a row.
  10. We need your full cooperation to bring this task to completion.

Frequency of Use

"Completion" is a fairly common noun in English, especially in academic, professional, and technical settings. It appears often in contexts involving goals, deadlines, or results. Its use has remained consistent over time and sees increased frequency in construction, education, and sports reporting. It is also commonly used in legal and business documents.

Variants of "Completion"

Though "completion" itself is stable in form, related expressions and word forms appear frequently.

  1. Complete: The verb form, meaning to finish something.
  2. Completed: Past participle form used to describe finished actions.
  3. Completing: Present participle or gerund form.
  4. Complete (adj.): Describes something that is finished or whole.

Related Terms to "Completion"

These related words and phrases add depth to the concept of finishing or concluding something.

  1. Completion date
  2. Completion rate
  3. Project milestone
  4. Accomplishment
  5. Final step
  6. Deadlines
  7. Implementation
  8. Goal achievement
  9. Delivery
  10. Conclusion

Etymology: History and Origins of "Completion"

"Completion" comes from the Latin "completio," meaning a filling up, first recorded in English in the late 1400s during the late Middle Ages. It stems from "completus," the past participle of "complere," to fill or finish, influencing French and other languages. In the 1500s, it appeared in scholarly texts describing the end of processes, like in alchemy or rhetoric. By the 1800s, its use grew in business and education to signify achievement, mirroring societal focus on progress.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Completion"

"Completion" appears in several phrases and compound expressions, especially in business and academia.

  1. Completion certificate: A document showing successful fulfillment of a course or project.
  2. Completion date: The planned or actual end date of a task or project.
  3. Completion status: A label indicating how far along a task or project is.
  4. Course completion: The finishing of an academic or training program.
  5. Well completion: A term in oil and gas for finalizing a drilled well for production.

Common Misspellings of "Completion"

Here are common spelling errors people may make when writing "completion."

  1. Completian
  2. Complition
  3. Complesion
  4. Complitione
  5. Complection

10 Idioms Similar to "Completion"

These idioms and expressions convey similar ideas of finishing, succeeding, or concluding.

  1. Cross the finish line
  2. Bring to a close
  3. Wrap things up
  4. Put the finishing touches on
  5. Bring full circle
  6. Seal the deal
  7. End on a high note
  8. Run its course
  9. Come to fruition
  10. Close the chapter

10 Common Questions About "Completion"

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the meaning and use of "completion."

1. What does "completion" mean?

"Completion" refers to the act of finishing something or the state of being complete.

2. Is "completion" a noun?

Yes, "completion" is a noun. It is derived from the verb "complete."

3. What is the difference between "complete" and "completion"?

"Complete" is a verb or adjective, while "completion" is the noun form that describes the act or state of finishing.

4. How is "completion" used in sports?

In American football, a "completion" refers to a successful pass caught by a teammate.

5. What is a course completion certificate?

It is a document given to someone who has finished all the requirements of a course or training program.

6. Can you use "completion" in a sentence?

Yes—"The construction crew worked tirelessly to ensure the building’s completion by winter."

7. What does "near completion" mean?

"Near completion" means something is almost finished, with only minor work left to do.

8. Is "completion" the same as "success"?

Not always. "Completion" means something is finished, but it doesn't necessarily mean it was successful.

9. What industries use the word "completion" often?

Construction, education, sports, project management, and energy (like oil and gas) frequently use the term.

10. Is "completion" always positive?

Usually, but not always. While it often marks achievement, something can be completed without the desired result.

Conclusion

"Completion" is a noun that marks the end or fulfillment of a task, event, or goal. It plays a vital role in showing progress, measuring achievement, and concluding actions. Expanding your vocabulary with words like "completion" strengthens formal and informal communication.

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