C1noun2K

Closure

UK /["/ˈkləʊʒə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈkləʊʒər/"]/

Definition

the situation when a factory, school, hospital, etc. shuts permanently

In simple words: The end of something or feeling of being finished.

Examples

  • factory closures
  • The hospital has been threatened with closure.
  • Spending cuts could mean the closure of the village school.
  • Several schools face eventual closure.
  • The factory is under threat of closure.
  • The mine has been saved from closure.
  • There will be road closures and diversions in the area from 8 p.m.
  • The accident caused the complete closure of the road.
  • The conviction of their son's murderer helped to give them a sense of closure.
  • People who lose family members need closure, not false hope.

Usage notes

Used in both personal and professional contexts. In therapy, it refers to coming to terms with a past situation. In business, it might mean the conclusion of a project.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a door closing - that gives you closure!

Collocations

  • complete
  • total
  • partial
  • be earmarked for
  • be threatened with
  • face
  • plan
  • programme/​program
  • order
  • under threat of closure
  • complete
  • total
  • partial
  • be earmarked for
  • be threatened with
  • face
  • plan
  • programme/​program
  • order
  • under threat of closure
  • final
  • narrative
  • be looking for
  • need
  • seek
  • a sense of closure

Synonyms

  • conclusion
  • finality
  • resolution
  • completion
  • wrap-up

Antonyms

  • confusion
  • openness

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'closure' with 'close'.
  • Using 'closure' when referring to physical spaces rather than emotional states.
  • Overusing 'closure' in contexts where 'conclusion' or 'resolution' would be clearer.