Done vs. Finished — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Done" generally indicates an action is complete, while "finished" suggests that something has come to an end or been depleted. Both often overlap in meaning.
Difference Between Done and Finished
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Done" and "finished" are two terms commonly used in English to describe the completion of tasks or events. While "done" typically refers to the state of having completed a particular task or action, "finished" often denotes the end of an activity or the conclusion of something.
One might say, "I am done with my homework," implying that they have completed their assignments. In contrast, "The movie is finished" indicates that the film has reached its conclusion. While both words can sometimes be used interchangeably, the context often dictates the preferred usage.
"Done" can also pertain to preparation, especially in culinary contexts. For instance, one might ask if the roast is "done," seeking to know if it's been cooked sufficiently. Conversely, "finished" rarely sees application in this culinary sense, and is more about completion or exhaustion
Moreover, "done" in a commitment sense can imply an agreement or arrangement, as in "consider it done." On the other hand, "finished" can denote depletion or exhaustion, like saying a supply is "finished."
In sum, while "done" and "finished" can often be substitutes for each other, they carry nuances that are context-dependent. "Done" leans towards completion or preparation, whereas "finished" emphasizes conclusion or exhaustion.
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Comparison Chart
General Usage
Indicates completion of an action
Suggests something has come to an end
Culinary Context
Refers to state of preparation (e.g., cooking)
Rarely used
Agreement or Commitment
Can be used to indicate a promise (e.g., consider it done)
Doesn't typically convey this notion
Exhaustion
Not common for depletion
Indicates depletion or being used up (e.g., supplies)
Interchangeability
Often interchangeable with "finished"
Can sometimes replace "done" based on context
Compare with Definitions
Done
Adequately cooked or prepared.
The steak is done to perfection.
Finished
Depleted or used up.
The milk is finished; buy some more.
Done
In a state of having been made or created.
The artwork is finally done.
Finished
Fully and completely done or ended.
Are you finished with your meal?
Done
Finished with; no longer engaged with.
I am done with that book; you can borrow it.
Finished
Brought to an end; concluded.
The seminar finished at 5 PM.
Done
Completed in terms of action.
The assignment is done.
Finished
Having undergone a specific treatment or process.
The table has a polished finished.
Done
Agreed upon or settled.
Consider it done.
Finished
Defeated or destroyed.
After the scandal, his career was finished.
Done
Past participle of do1.
Finished
Brought to a state of completion
A finished novel.
Done
Having been carried out or accomplished; finished
A done deed.
Finished
In a state of having completed something
The cook is finished preparing the meal.
Done
Cooked adequately.
Finished
Exhibiting a high degree of skill or refinement
An essay that was a finished piece of work.
Done
Socially acceptable
Spitting on the street is just not done in polite society.
Finished
Highly accomplished or skilled; polished
A finished artist.
Done
(Informal) Totally worn out; exhausted.
Finished
Doomed to death or destruction
If the explorers don't get more supplies, they are finished.
Done
Having completed or finished an activity.
He pushed his empty plate away, sighed and pronounced "I am done."
They were done playing and were picking up the toys when he arrived.
Finished
Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up
With that injury, he's finished as a pitcher.
Done
(of an activity or task) Completed or finished.
I'll text you when the movie's done.
Finished
(comparable) Processed or perfected.
He gave a very finished, but uninspired performance.
Done
(of food) Ready, fully cooked.
As soon as the potatoes are done we can sit down and eat.
Finished
Completed; concluded; done.
I won't be finished until just before lunch.
The program was finally finished after three hours.
He wasn't finished cleaning up until nearly noon.
He wasn't quite finished with his assignment.
Done
Being exhausted or fully spent.
When the water is done we will only be able to go on for a few days.
Finished
Done for; doomed; used up.
Done
Without hope or prospect of completion or success.
He is done, after three falls there is no chance he will be able to finish.
Finished
Simple past tense and past participle of finish
He finished the cabinet with two more layers of polyurethane.
Done
Fashionable, socially acceptable, tasteful.
I can't believe he just walked up and spoke to her like that, those kind of things just aren't done!
What is the done thing these days? I can't keep up!
Finished
Polished to the highest degree of excellence; complete; perfect; as, a finished poem; a finished education.
Done
Inflection of do
I have done my work.
Finished
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state;
A finished product
Done
; did.
Finished
Ended or brought to an end;
Are you finished?
Gave me the finished manuscript
The manuscript is finished
Almost finished with his studies
Done
Used in forming the perfective aspect; have.
I woke up and found out she done left.
Finished
(of skills or the products of skills) brought to or having the greatest excellence; perfected;
A dazzling and finished piece of writing
A finished violinist
Done
(obsolete) do
Finished
Having a surface coating or finish applied;
The finished bookcase costs much more than the unfinished ones
Done
(slang) methadone
On the done
Finished
Brought to ruin;
After the revolution the aristocracy was finished
The unsuccessful run for office left him ruined politically and economically
Done
It is done or agreed; let it be a match or bargain; - used elliptically.
Done
Given; executed; issued; made public; - used chiefly in the clause giving the date of a proclamation or public act.
Done
Having finished or arrived at completion;
Certain to make history before he's done
It's a done deed
After the treatment, the patient is through except for follow-up
Almost through with his studies
Done
Cooked until ready to serve
Common Curiosities
Can "finished" describe the state of supplies?
Yes, if supplies are "finished," they're depleted or used up.
Is it correct to ask, "Are you done eating?"
Yes, it's a common way to inquire if someone has completed their meal.
Is "done" used in cooking contexts?
Yes, it can refer to the state of preparation, like if meat is fully cooked.
Can "finished" be used to describe someone's career?
Yes, saying someone's career is "finished" means it's effectively over.
Can "finished" describe the end of an event?
Absolutely, like "The concert finished at 10 PM."
Can "done" and "finished" be used interchangeably?
Often, but context can dictate which is more appropriate.
How does "finished" describe a product's appearance?
It can indicate the treatment or process it underwent, like a "glossy finish."
Is "I'm done" a way to express frustration?
It can be. If someone says, "I'm done," they might mean they're fed up.
Can I say, "The work is finished?"
Yes, it means the work has come to a conclusion.
Is it common to use "done" when agreeing to do something?
Yes, "consider it done" means the person agrees to undertake the task.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
