follow-through

1 of 2

noun

fol·​low-through ˈfä-lō-ˌthrü 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• accomplish
• achieve
• bring off
• carry off
• carry out
• commit
• compass
• do
• execute
• fulfill
• fulfil
• make
• negotiate
• perform
• perpetrate
• prosecute
• pull off
• put through

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

Noun

But follow-through is crucial and coordination (especially with the NYPD) a must; in classic New York City government fashion, both are obviously missing. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024

Several of them pointed to his lack of follow-through on jailing his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton, while others say his ultimate retribution would be a successful term in office with a solid economy. —William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Verb

Some investors believe Trump's following through on some of his campaign proposals would ultimately lead to higher prices. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024

Democrats fear former Republican President Donald Trump will follow through on vows to impose hefty tariffs that will drive up costs on a wide range of imports. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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