a precipitous finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precipitous finish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or steep conclusion, often in contexts like sports, storytelling, or events that end abruptly or dramatically. Example: "The race ended with a precipitous finish, leaving the audience in shock as the underdog crossed the line first."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some New Data and a Plea Against a Precipitous Conclusion, 62 Ky.L.J. 681, 694—696 (1974).

Cornell University

The nation's second-largest city, Los Angeles, came in 16th this year, a precipitous drop from its third-place finish in 2007.

Forbes

While finishing the week on such a precipitous note reminded some people on Wall Street of the weekend before Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy in 2008 or the days before the Black Monday crash of 1987, two veterans said there were important differences this time around.

The New York Times

But crucially, there isn't a precipitous decline after 50; many of the older athletes still compete and finish in good time, without any ill effects to their bodies.

BBC

Chivas continue to be mired in an embarrassing discrimination lawsuit, and the drop in quality on the field - the team will finish 2013 with fewer points than 2012 and has been shown the most cards - has brought a precipitous decline in attendance.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a precipitous fall.

The New York Times - Sports

That would not be a precipitous withdrawal.

The New York Times

A precipitous drop in melatonin levels occurred.

The New York Times - Science

Suddenly, five tumbled down a precipitous slope.

The New York Times

The sentencing marked a precipitous downfall for Mr. Jackson.

The New York Times

Similarly, in 2011, HP was declining at a precipitous rate.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precipitous finish" when you want to emphasize a sudden and dramatic end, especially if there's an element of decline or unexpected change involved. For example, "The company's stock experienced a precipitous finish to the trading day after the CEO's announcement."

Common error

Avoid using "a precipitous finish" to simply describe a fast ending. The phrase carries a connotation of a steep or sudden decline, so ensure this aligns with the intended meaning. A race ending quickly due to a runner's final sprint isn't necessarily precipitous unless there was an unexpected drop in another competitor's performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precipitous finish" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Given Ludwig AI explanation it denotes a sudden and steep decline or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a precipitous finish" describes a sudden and dramatic end, typically implying a decline or sharp drop. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI indicates usage is not very common; the absence of examples in Ludwig's database reflects this. It is most appropriately used when the concluding event involves an unexpected and significant downturn. Remember to consider the connotation of decline when choosing this phrase, and explore alternatives like "an abrupt ending" or "a sudden termination" if a less negative connotation is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt ending

Focuses on the suddenness of the conclusion, without necessarily implying a decline or drop.

a sudden termination

Highlights the immediate cessation of something, emphasizing the lack of gradualness.

a rapid conclusion

Emphasizes the speed at which something ends, rather than a steep decline.

a sharp culmination

Suggests a climax that occurs quickly and decisively, often with a sense of finality.

a swift resolution

Implies a quick solution or outcome, focusing on the efficiency of the ending.

a headlong conclusion

Indicates a rushed or uncontrolled ending, suggesting a lack of careful planning.

a hasty end

Conveys a sense of being done quickly, possibly due to carelessness or a need for speed.

an accelerated finale

Highlights the speeding up of the concluding part, bringing the end more quickly.

a quick wrap-up

More informal and conversational, referring to a fast and efficient conclusion.

a fast close

Suggests an ending that is done with speed, typically applied in business or transactional contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a precipitous finish" in a sentence?

You can use "a precipitous finish" to describe a sudden and dramatic end, often implying a decline or unexpected change. For example, "The negotiation experienced "a precipitous finish" when one party abruptly walked out."

What are some alternatives to "a precipitous finish"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an abrupt ending", "a sudden termination", or "a rapid conclusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a precipitous finish" formal or informal?

"A precipitous finish" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards slightly more formal writing due to the word "precipitous".

What does "precipitous" mean in the context of "a precipitous finish"?

In this context, "precipitous" means characterized by a steep or sudden decline or drop. Thus, "a precipitous finish" suggests an ending that is not only sudden but also involves a significant downturn or unexpected negative change.