bitter end

1 of 2

noun (1)

: the last extremity however painful or calamitous

bitter-ender

ˌbi-tər-ˈen-dər 

noun

bitter end

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the inboard end of a ship's anchoring cable

Examples of bitter end in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance came to a bitter end at AT&T Stadium on Monday afternoon. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026

The fans who decide to follow their country to a glorious or bitter end, irrespective of the cost or the risk of aggravating employers? — Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Notably, progressive Katie Porter and moderate San José Mayor Matt Mahan stuck in until the bitter end. — Anita Chabria, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Notably, progressive Katie Porter and moderate San José Mayor Matt Mahan stuck in until the bitter end. — Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

perhaps from bitter end entry 2

Noun (2)

bitter (a turn of cable around the bitts)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1827, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bitter end

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