Complete vs. Finalize — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Complete" refers to finishing all parts of something, while "finalize" means to make the last modifications or approvals necessary for completion.
Difference Between Complete and Finalize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Complete" is used when all elements of a task or project are finished, implying no further work is required on the main components. On the other hand, "finalize" suggests that while the main body of work might be done, some decisions or approvals remain to make the outcome officially complete.
Completing a project could involve finishing all its assigned tasks and requirements. Whereas finalizing a project typically involves reviewing, making final adjustments, and obtaining necessary approvals to ensure every detail is correct and agreed upon.
In documentation, one might complete a report by writing the final word, but they finalize it by adding a signature or date, thereby officially concluding the process. Finalizing often includes administrative or procedural steps that certify the document’s readiness for use.
In software development, a version release is completed when all programmed features are implemented. Conversely, it is finalized when it undergoes final testing and debugging to ensure it is free of errors and ready for public deployment.
During events, the planning might be completed weeks in advance, meaning all arrangements are set. Finalizing, however, could involve confirming attendees, making last-minute logistical adjustments, or rechecking equipment close to the event date.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Finishing all parts or phases of a process.
Making the last modifications or approvals.
Focus
On accomplishing tasks or components.
On perfection and readiness for formal acceptance.
Common Usage
Completing homework, a race, construction.
Finalizing a deal, a document, a plan.
Outcome
Indicates total completion.
Indicates readiness for official approval.
Sequential Position
Often used to denote the end of actual work.
Used to denote the last few steps before finality.
Compare with Definitions
Complete
Fully made or done.
The building was complete with furnishings and ready for occupancy.
Finalize
To make decisions that conclude an arrangement.
The team finalized their strategy the night before.
Complete
Finished entirely, with no part left undone.
She completed the marathon in under four hours.
Finalize
To complete the last parts of a plan or product.
He finalized the software’s design features.
Complete
Total; absolute.
His happiness was complete when he got the job.
Finalize
To conclude formally.
She finalized her thesis with revisions suggested by her advisor.
Complete
To make whole or perfect.
He completed his degree this spring.
Finalize
To put the last touches on.
They finalized the report with updated statistics.
Complete
To finish a task fully.
She completed the painting in just a week.
Finalize
To give final approval to something.
The contract was finalized after months of negotiation.
Complete
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Finalize
Complete or agree on a finished and definitive version of
Efforts intensified to finalize plans for post-war reconstruction
Complete
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Finalize
To put into final form; complete.
Complete
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Finalize
(transitive) To make final or firm; to finish or complete.
As soon as we get the plane tickets, we'll finalize our reservations with the hotel.
Complete
Absolute; thorough
Complete control.
A complete mystery.
Finalize
To prepare (an object) for garbage collection by calling its finalizer.
Complete
Accomplished; consummate
A complete musician.
Finalize
To put the last touches on; put into final form.
Complete
(Football) Caught in bounds by a receiver
A complete pass.
Finalize
Make final; put the last touches on; put into final form;
Let's finalize the proposal
Complete
To bring to a finish or an end
She has completed her studies.
Complete
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
Complete
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Complete
(ambitransitive) To finish; to make done; to reach the end.
He completed the assignment on time.
Complete
(transitive) To make whole or entire.
The last chapter completes the book nicely.
Complete
(poker) To call from the small blind in an unraised pot.
Complete
With all parts included; with nothing missing; full.
My life will be complete once I buy this new television.
She offered me complete control of the project.
After she found the rook, the chess set was complete.
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed.
When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.
Complete
Generic intensifier.
He is a complete bastard!
It was a complete shock when he turned up on my doorstep.
Our vacation was a complete disaster.
Complete
In which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.
Complete
In which every set with a lower bound has a greatest lower bound.
Complete
In which all small limits exist.
Complete
In which every semantically valid well-formed formula is provable.
Complete
That is in a given complexity class and is such that every other problem in the class can be reduced to it (usually in polynomial time or logarithmic space).
Complete
Filled up; with no part or element lacking; free from deficiency; entire; perfect; consummate.
Ye are complete in him.
That thou, dead corse, again in complete steelRevisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon.
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
Complete
Having all the parts or organs which belong to it or to the typical form; having calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil.
Complete
To bring to a state in which there is no deficiency; to perfect; to consummate; to accomplish; to fulfill; to finish; as, to complete a task, or a poem; to complete a course of education.
Bred only and completed to the tasteOf lustful appetence.
And, to complete her bliss, a fool for mate.
Complete
Come or bring to a finish or an end;
He finished the dishes
She completed the requirements for her Master's Degree
The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours
Complete
Bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements;
A child would complete the family
Complete
Complete or carry out;
Discharge one's duties
Complete
Complete a pass
Complete
Write all the required information onto a form;
Fill out this questionnaire, please!
Make out a form
Complete
Having every necessary or normal part or component or step;
A complete meal
A complete wardrobe
A complete set pf the Britannica
A complete set of china
A complete defeat
A complete accounting
An incomplete flower
Complete
Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities;
A complete gentleman
Consummate happiness
A consummate performance
Complete
Having all four whorls or principal parts--sepals and petals and stamens and carpels (or pistils);
Complete flowers
Complete
Highly skilled;
An accomplished pianist
A complete musician
Complete
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
Complete
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to complete a project?
To complete a project means to finish all its tasks and requirements without any parts left to do.
What does it mean to finalize a project?
To finalize a project means to go through the last steps of approval and adjustment, ensuring everything is set for formal completion.
How does one know when a project is truly complete?
A project is truly complete when all its components are finished and it has passed all necessary final reviews and approvals.
Can a task be completed but not finalized?
Yes, a task can be completed in terms of work done, but it might still require final approvals or adjustments to be finalized.
What is typically involved in finalizing a document?
Finalizing a document usually involves proofreading, obtaining necessary signatures, and perhaps adding a date or official seal.
Can a book be finalized before publication?
Yes, finalizing a book involves last edits, formatting, and setting up for printing and distribution, before it is published.
Is finalizing part of completing?
Finalizing is considered the last phase in the completion process, focusing on approval and perfection before official closure.
Why is finalizing important in business deals?
Finalizing is crucial in business deals to ensure all terms are correct, understood, and agreed upon before signing.
Does finalizing involve legal steps?
Finalizing can involve legal steps, especially in contexts like contracts or agreements, to ensure compliance and formality.
What is the difference between finalizing and approving?
Finalizing involves preparing something for approval, while approving is the act of formally accepting it as complete.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
