follow-through

1 of 2

noun

fol·​low-through ˈfä-lō-ˌthrü How to pronounce follow-through (audio)
ˌfä-lō-ˈthrü,
-lə-
1
: the part of the stroke following the striking of a ball
2
: the act or an instance of following through

follow through

2 of 2

verb

followed through; following through; follows through

intransitive verb

1
: to continue a stroke or motion to the end of its arc
2
: to press on in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

Examples of follow-through in a Sentence

Verb you said you would put all of the files in order, but you didn't follow through with it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
These declines reflect the consequences of weak follow-through, lack of vision, or resistance to innovation. Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 People kept promising support, but the follow-through wasn’t there. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 17 June 2025
Verb
Trump may not follow through on all his threats: some may be blocked by the courts or by domestic political opposition, and other leaders may not immediately mimic him. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Dolly does Vegas has a joyful ring to it and the country superstar is poised to follow through. will return to the Las Vegas Strip for her first extended run in 32 years with six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for follow-through

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of follow-through was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Follow-through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follow-through. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

follow through

verb
1
: to complete a stroke or swing
2
: to continue in an activity or process especially to a conclusion
follow through with a study
follow-through
ˈfäl-ō-ˌthrü
ˌfäl-ō-ˈthrü
-ə-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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