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

Allen doesn’t depict herself as the virtuous, scorned wife, but a real and raw person who cycles through anxiety and insecurity until everything reaches its bitter end. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

Staying in theme to the bitter end, Irwin collects himself from the hardwood and is dragged to hell (or backstage) by dark forces, returning to face the judges with his face splattered in fake blood. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025

Its quality isn't the horror itself but the ghoulish environment and subtle danger that lies beneath, being a whodunit occult film that never lets up, keeping us guessing on the true nature of the terrors up until the bitter end. —Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

Tessa is more resentful, blaming Nathan’s leadership to the bitter end. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2025

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