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 Full Moon later asks you to rest instead of carrying every loose end alone. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026

Your perceptive nature senses a family need, household issue, or emotional loose end that should be handled before bigger plans move forward. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026

While the eight-episode storyline largely followed a single — and, in true Bear fashion, exceptionally chaotic — dinner service at the titular restaurant, its hour-long finale made sure to wrap up any loose ends and share a little insight on where its food family is headed. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026

The series, co-created and executive produced by David Iserson and Susanna Fogel who spent seven years on it, ended on several cliffhangers, leaving many loose ends that now won’t be tied up. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for loose end

• apprehend
• comprehend
• condescend
• dividend
• recommend
• resuspend
• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend

Kids Definition

loose end

noun

1

: something left hanging loose

2

: a piece of unfinished business

tying up loose ends