done
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for done, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Finished or completed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use done
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English gedōn, the past participle of dōn ("to do") — the same ending pattern survives in words like "gone" and "known."
Full origin of done →Frequently asked questions
What does “done” mean?
The word “done” means finished or completed. In plain terms, the finished state of something — a task, a meal, an agreement, or even a person's energy.
How do you pronounce “done”?
“Done” is pronounced duhn (/dʌn/ in IPA).
How do you use “done” in a sentence?
Here is “done” used in a sentence: “I'm almost done with the report.”
What part of speech is “done”?
Depending on how it is used, “done” can be an adjective and an interjection.
Where does the word “done” come from?
The word “done” comes from Old English. From Old English gedōn, the past participle of dōn ("to do") — the same ending pattern survives in words like "gone" and "known.".
Is “done” a common word?
“Done” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “done” have?
“Done” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: finished or completed.
What is the difference between 'done' and 'finished'?
As adjectives they are nearly identical — both mean something is complete. 'Finished' can sound slightly more formal, while 'done' is common in speech. With food, 'done' specifically means cooked enough to eat. Traditionally some teachers preferred 'finished' for people and 'done' for tasks, but today both are widely accepted.
Is it correct to say 'I am done'?
Yes. 'I am done' is standard, natural English meaning you have finished. Some older style guides argued 'I have finished' was more proper, but 'I'm done' is fully accepted in both speech and writing. 'I am finished' is equally correct and can sound a touch more formal in tone.
What is the opposite of 'done'?
The opposite of 'done' is 'unfinished' or 'incomplete,' describing something still in progress. 'Undone' can also serve as an opposite, meaning not yet completed — though it can additionally mean untied or reversed. If a task is not done, you might say it is pending, ongoing, or outstanding.