What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ending
Example
The ending of the movie was unexpected. [ending: noun]
Example
She is currently working on the ending of her novel. [ending: gerund or present participle]
culmination
Example
The concert was the culmination of months of preparation. [culmination: noun]
Example
The successful launch of the new product was the culmination of years of research and development. [culmination: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ending is more common than culmination in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ending and culmination?
Culmination is more formal than ending, and is typically used in professional or academic contexts to emphasize the successful outcome of a long-term effort or project.