The final part; the last stage; something that is nearly finished (noun form).
映画の終わりかけで大きなどんでん返しがあった。
There was a big twist near the end of the movie.
学期の終わりかけになると試験で忙しくなる。
When the semester is nearing its end, you get busy with exams.
会議は終わりかけだったが、まだ決定は出ていない。
The meeting was drawing to a close, but no decision had been made yet.