adjective
never-ending
nev-uh-END-ing
Never-ending (adjective) means seeming to continue for ever, usually because it is tedious or exhausting. Example: “The never-ending paperwork is what finally drove her out of teaching.”
adjective
1
Seeming to continue for ever, usually because it is tedious or exhausting.
"The never-ending paperwork is what finally drove her out of teaching."
"It was a never-ending queue that snaked round two corners."
2
Genuinely without end; continuing indefinitely.
"A circle is a never-ending line."
How to use never-ending
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt goes on and on and never seems to stop.
When to use it
Neutral, and usually hyperbole rather than literal truth. Normally hyphenated before a noun; 'never ending' unhyphenated is common but less careful.
Memory tip
Keep the hyphen when the phrase sits before a noun — 'a never-ending list'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a never-ending cycle
never-ending story
never-ending stream of
seemingly never-ending
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ paperwork is what finally drove her out of teaching.
Etymology
Formed from never and ending.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for never-ending
ending
sending
bending
lending
pending
mending
spending
unending
blending
trending
defending
ascending
See all rhymes for never-ending →
Frequently asked questions
Is it 'never ending' or 'never-ending'?
Hyphenate it when it comes before the noun it describes, as in 'a never-ending debate', because the two words work as a single modifier. After the verb, as in 'the debate seems never ending', the hyphen is optional and often dropped.
What is the difference between never-ending and endless?
They are very close synonyms. 'Endless' is the plainer and shorter word and can also suggest vast physical extent, as in 'endless plains', while 'never-ending' emphasises duration and more often carries a note of weariness.
What is the meaning of never-ending?
"never-ending" (adjective) means seeming to continue for ever, usually because it is tedious or exhausting.
What is another word for never-ending?
Other words for "never-ending" include endless, interminable, ceaseless, unending, perpetual, infinite.
